Sukilove

Following up 2002s Talking in the Dark, ex-Metal Molly singer Pascal Dewezes full-length debut as the leader of Sukilove shines a dramatically different light on the Dutch songster. The ambitiously simple orchestral pop enchants from the start of the textured rhythms on the opening track, "Time to Go." Also, its immediately clear that Deweze has left behind the power pop fuzz of Metal Mollys sound in favor of a more humble and relaxed approach to songwriting. Slowed down and not battling with rising electric guitars, his voice is all the more impressive on songs like "Hang On" and "Computing Beauty." The pop overtones do not mask the undeniable melancholia that graces many of Dewezes lyrics, and the subtle instrumentation matches perfectly throughout the 13-song disc. "Just a Lazy Day" freezes the listener, gracefully poeticizing lack of ambition and combining it with wistful instrumentation, while "Did You Ever Feel So Lonely?" also packs a powerful punch, using simplicity to paint a picture of solitude and despair. "Unforgivable" again startles the listener with its unique approach to betrayal. He also tackles unbridled love and romance, reminiscing on "Talking in the Dark," and unloading a series of odes of adoration on "Please Dont Ever Change" without relying on trite conventions. "Man (Aint Man Enough)" comes as a certain surprise, offering a playful epic to battle against deep-rooted conventions of manhood. The soul-searching grace of "Theres a Light" and barebones acoustics of "Good Blood Will Prevail" round out the impressive disc. Drummer Stoffel Verlackt, bassist Pieter Van Buyten, and guitarist Helder Deploige round out the quartet. Guest musicians include Bettie Serveerts Carol Van Dyk on vocals and ten others, making Sukilove an even more startling group effort. Hidden Agenda Records released the disc in 2003. ~ Stephen Cramer