Suede guitarist Richard Oakes continues his foray into the world of adult pop (we mean grown-up, not rude!) as Artmagic alongside singer/songwriter/producer Sean McGhee with this latest single from their debut LP 'Become The One You Love'. Upon its release the album was criticised in some quarters for being a little beige and AOR, but it's fair to say that, with the benefit of a few months hindsight, it's managing to appear in a better light than those initial plays suggested. Although unlikely to set the world on fire, there are a few decent tracks to be found there, including new single 'Down In The River', which may be incredibly polite and easy to listen to, but is a pretty good effort nonetheless.
McGhee's pop pedigree shines through on the production which is clean, modern and radio-ready and the song itself is fairly contagious and sticks in your head long after the record's finished. For the most part the guitar work plays second fiddle and isn't allowed to take centre stage, and in fairness that's how it should be. Oakes' work doesn't go unnoticed though, and the whole arrangement of the song is carefully considered and doesn't have a hair out of place. It's not exactly McAlmont & Butler (I'm sure they'd slap me for that comparison) but you have to admit that it's executed well and has earworm qualities that aren't easy for writers to find. 'Down By The River' won't blow your mind, but it makes for a pleasantly diverting four minutes.
Artmagic's website
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