Reviews

Shimeon

That is exactly what Shimeon is though, and while music that has such a strong message running through it might not be to everyone's taste, it’s a measure of his talent that 'Masquerade' delivers solid songs, rather than weighty sermons.

Of course, country has always leaned towards religion and it’s probably the only genre where proclaiming your beliefs is embraced, but that isn't to say Shimeon sounds like a rampantly pious redneck.

Instead, 'Masquerade', despite its muddy, fuzzy production, is filled with tracks that lean towards the spiritual sound of artists like George Harrison or Tom Petty, be that in the toe-tapping life lesson that is 'Will In Chains', the understated 'Strange World' or the somewhat anthemic 'Radio Song'.

That’s not to say there isn't problems to the collection. Alongside the bleary production, the decision to stay distinctly mid-tempo, coupled with the occasional shoe-horned lyric, can lead to your mind wandering mid-tune, particularly on the inconspicuous 'Song To The Lord'.

But the fact that all that is underpinned with a solid sense of songwriting and an understanding that it’s the music, rather than the message, that comes first mean that 'Masquerade' is, for the most part, an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.