Album Review/ Alt Folk : Al Shalliker’s ‘The Diamond Hill’
Al Shalliker is a singer-songwriter and folk artist. His music revolves around storytelling frames, fleshing out the fantastical nuances and subtleties of human life and emotions. It is quite a profound journey to embark upon, given the contemplative spheres that it invokes and immerses the listener in. The underlying theme is the small vitalities of momentous evolution, their power to influence the big things. His latest release is ‘The Diamond Hill’ album, a collection that honors folk with both its classic and contemporary counterparts. He polishes alt folk in ways that are reminiscent of Bob Dylan and Nick Drake, Phoebe Bridgers and James Taylor alike.
Some of the tracks like ‘Six White Horses’, ‘Oh Felicity’, and ‘Time Out of Mind’ were released in the months leading up to the release of this sophomore album. They gave us a taste, a glimpse of the themes and ideas that he explores across the album. Six White Horses traces the gossamer edges of possibility. Indulging in facets like magic, light, faith, and positivity, he reminds the listener of everything that they’ve been through, to meditate on the strength but also the beauty of life experiences.
We see a dominant use of harmonicas alongside the many acoustic collations in the tracks. In Time Out of Mind, we see a bluesy, acoustic rock atmosphere being awakened by the sharp tones of harmonica. In Oh Felicity, we see it used for sentimental appeal and evocative dimensions. ‘Strange Days’ the electric blues, the reflective acoustics, all of it mesh into the molten sphere of the harmonica to gain depth and find their roots. This changing use of a single instrument reflects the artist’s passion for perspective.
‘Old Ireland’, ‘Bird’ and ‘Nothing Moves Gently’ are expansive acoustic pieces that are as idyllic as a panorama. These especially bear resemblances to a Nick Drake composition with its simple but lingering resonance.
From here on out, we start seeing more and more of Al’s love for ambience. The way he crafts energy and emotion into the backdrop, only to progressively weave it into the composition. In ‘Please Be Free (Evergreen)’, he tells a story, so immersive and affecting despite its mellow flow. In ‘Northern Lights’ and ‘Tonight The Words Were Falling’ creates that cozy feeling, dim but luminescent like a fireplace. It warms the person, layer by layer, right through to the heart. And like this, there are so many levels, perspectives, and intentions that you can find across the album. Deep-seated in thought, purpose and authentic exploration, the album is quite the passion project. Listen Now!
Check out their Instagram and Facebook!
The album is available for streaming on popular sites like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music!
You can listen to ‘The Diamond Hill’ by Al Shalliker here -
Follow the playlist for all new artist updates!
If you would like to submit your music for playlist or review consideration, please submit here.
