Album Review: Bernard Fanning - Departures

From the get-go, Departures is universes away from Fanning's last solo album, Tea & Sympathy, at least for the most part. Opening with a Moog synthesiser oscillating into actuality, the leading track Tell Me How It Ends is like nothing seen on the previous album. In the following tracks, Limbo Stick and single Battleships, more synthesiser use leads one to believe Bernie might have acquired some new toys to play with over his last bout of the creative process. Used in minimalistic ways throughout the album, Fanning proves that he knows not to push the envelope too far with the newfound timbres: he is still first and foremost the five-piece rock band composer we've always loved. Drake proves this, with guitars reminiscent of Mark Knopfler or Billy Gibbons, while simultaneously played with powdered fingers.

Fanning enjoys more synthetic palates in Call You Home, which sees him rock back and forth between his former band's influences and his own newer ideas in a clever and novel way. Possibly the closest this album gets to Fanning's previous solo release is its titular track, Departures (Blue Toowong Skies), which is also one of the highlights of the album. A simple song, Departures touches a deeply personal note within the man; singing of the loss he has experienced in his life and devoting himself to those close to him. The harmonies and sweeping instrumental content of the song is just wonderful.

Overall this album is a kicker, maybe not on the same level as its predecessor, but then again maybe not comparable at all. Apples and oranges, and all that.