Whilst never actually being bad per se, DREWVIS‘ previous material has always seemed a little flat. The guitar and bass approach to acoustic reggae/ska has lacked the ingenuity and vigour of some of the band’s peers. It’s nice to see then that ‘Disposable Pleasures And Meaningful Pursuits’ steps away from the earlier blueprint by adding a couple of extra layers to the sound.
The most noticeable change on this record is the addition of some additional instruments, particularly in the percussion department. There are still tracks that solely focus on Drew Bristow’s acoustic guitar and Paul Mason’s bass but this time around there’re some very gentle drums, cymbals, and keys. It’s all delivered under the radar but it makes for a more developed whole.
Bristow’s vocals, calm and non-confrontational as they are, mean that the album doesn’t have an immediate feel to it. Unlike artists like Chris Murray who can use a forceful voice to take control of the listener, Drewvis relies more on sedately calming your ears. After a few spins it certainly has the ability to achieve this.
Ultimately, ‘Disposable Pleasures And Meaningful Pursuits’ is a serene collection of unobtrusive songs that show the band has improved. You can’t help but wonder though what the band might be able to achieve if a little more energy is thrown into the mix.
ALEX HAMBLETON