Amazon.co.uk Review
The follow-up to one of the least unexpected bestsellers of recent years,
In Our Nature is a reminder that Jose Gonzalez’s musical roots lie not in acoustic balladry (though he’s undeniably a wizard on the guitar, frequently compared to Nick Drake and with good reason) but in the fecund hardcore punk scene of his home town of Gothenburg. Not only does Gonzalez hit the guitar very hard indeed, rather undercutting his image as a sensitive singer-songwriter, but much of
In Our Nature discusses man’s weakness and propensity to violence, the perennial subject of vague protest. "How Low", "Killing for Love" and the hopeful title track are as quietly powerful as one man can get with a guitar. His take on Massive Attack’s oft-covered "Teardrop", already something of a modern classic, outdoes recent versions by Newton Faulkner and Elbow. The lovely, relatively understated closer "Cycling Trivialities", an epic by Gonzalez’s concise standards, sounds like a one-man Simon and Garfunkel, becoming denser and denser with each minute. The entire thing is over in hardly more than half an hour, though whether anyone would want such a relentless attack to last any longer is moot.
In Our Nature is that rarity, a contemporary album that leaves the listener wanting more.
--Steve Jelbert
CD Description
Jose Gonzalez found critical acclaim and global attention in 2005, with 'Veneer'. The Swedish-born singer/guitarist's highly anticipated follow up arrives in the shape of 'In Our Nature'. Although similar to its predecessor in terms of style, the album has an edgier and darker tone - themes of war and wasted love are found throughout - while Gonzalez's unique vocal style provides a calming influence above the beautifully crafted guitar patterns. Singles include 'Down The Line' and a wonderful rendition of Massive Attack's 'Teardrop'.
