ALBUM REVIEW: Lyrical storytelling brings sophomore success for Mike Palframan
A Few Lines More is an undiscovered gem in the SA music landscape with a distinct sound.
Singer/songwriter, Mike Palframan, has showcased that there is nothing like a sophomore slump in his vocabulary with the release of his second album, A Few Lines More.
Palframan, whose eclectic folk music provide something different in today’s electronic era, is one of those artists who grip you with his raw, emotional and thoughtful lyrics.
Palframan, who hails from the friendly city of Port Elizabeth, gives sound advice on his songs, lets the listeners see things in a new perspective, as well as tell some superb stories from his life in versatile verses and melodic harmonies.
The title track of the album, “A Few Lines More”, is the perfect start to the album with its reminiscent tone and melodic acoustic intro. You can visually see the lyrics come to life with a soft and reassuring delivery. A Cat Stevens-like song if you will, dished up in a distinct South African style.
The following song on the album “Happy In Your Skin” is one of my favourites on the album and a definite must-listen. The song focuses on the need to be happy with who you are, no matter your shape, size, flaws and various features. It is exactly that uniqueness that you should embrace. It is definitely a reference to the social media culture, photo editing and how trying to be someone else is diminishing your own identity and purpose – top stuff from a well-versed lyricist. The major key acoustic guitar melody also makes the song flow really nicely. “You are beautiful, don’t change a thing, perfect just the way you are. Love yourself and you’ll begin to be happy in your skin,” sings Palframan.
The next track, “Corporate Soldier” is another song that focuses on society and the corporate era with a metaphoric reference to war and the struggles involved. A great track that is really relatable to many in today’s fast paced capitalist society. I really like the natural harmonic in the bridge on this number and the various elements really turn this song into something extra.
“But Sometimes” is another fun track with a really happy guitar rhythm and drum beat that accentuates the lyrics that focuses on the irregularity of life and it’s many ups and downs. Sometimes things don’t turn out how you want them and sometimes you can get pleasantly surprised. Also keep an ear out for the cool drum fill in the bridge.
“Sometimes a stormy river is just a stream, but sometimes plans start with a dream,” is a call to action from Palframan to embrace life even though there are numerous things you can’t plan for.
Things slow down from there with a sweet acoustic ballad “A Hundred Years” that focuses on love and the amazing relationship between two hearts becoming one. A fantastic song that will surely warm your heart. If a song could be likened steamy cup of hot chocolate on a rainy day, then this would be it.
“In a Song” continues the same type of lyrical and up beat nature of “But Sometimes” with a vocal duet that adds to the tracks uplifting lyrical and melodic nature. Palframan’s adeptness at second person lyrics really speak to the listener and adds to the personal and conversational tone of his music.
“The Wrong Man” is another song with an interesting story about two men with different stories and ideas on how we can both perceive reality and society and how are choices can affect us. The soft acoustic guitar picking really adds to the song and I believe it would work really well in a music video that can illustrate the words in an animated story. A good example of this would be Dear Reader’s music video for their song “Great White Bear.”
“Memories in the Sand” is also another softer slower number that focuses on thought and memories that invoke happiness and the importance of feeding your soul with good thoughts and experiences, because that ultimately shapes how we experience life. “Treasure Chest” is another one on my favourites on the album focusing on the loss of innocence in life’s journey. This would work perfectly as a love letter from a father to his child on life and how to deal with sad moments and to rise above “the hurtful words that take all the treasures from your chest.”
Palframan is brilliant in this track with some though provoking lyrics such as “Not all treasure is silver and gold. What you have in your heart is the treasure you hold. Look after your friends, take care of your health and know your riches from your wealth.”
“Whisper From The Heart” is another song that focuses on finding love and all the feelings of being in love: “It took only a spark, she is the one.” A really fantastic song with lyrics that paints a personal love story to perfection.
“Keep Telling Yourself” is an important track that once again focuses on society and how people live rushed lives instead of living and caring about other. We live in an egocentric and selfish society and we need community and each other. Riches and wealth is no substitute for relationships and friends. This is really well versed “warning” in the form of a song that really speaks to the heart.
The album ends of with “Compost Flowers” another love song that brings the album to a satisfactory close – and an inevitable to the title track for another listen.
A Few Lines More is an undiscovered gem in the SA music landscape with a distinct sound. I’m for one grateful, that we have Mike Palframan who can still sing of live, love and moments that shape and influence us to see a few lines more every day.
Stream Mike Palframan’s music here:
Apple Music
https://music.apple.com/us/album/a-few-lines-more/1497445170
Deezer
https://www.deezer.com/en/album/129887132
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/album/4Tr6HMG46ZMQirrCNwLbmZ
YouTube Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVJ3h273dtU&list=OLAK5uy_leHGNghZNlPXPBulHzZlphsuH_r1OnrTI
Amazon Music
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084F8XMTQ
