Without making those noises that demand attention, THE PANTONES have put together a very sweet collection of affecting, carefully made tunes. The sound is gently mournful Americana, with a bit of a lilt and plenty of instrumental variety.
An outstanding track that could fairly represent the album as a single is mid-set's "Lost and Found". It has a lovely blend of piano, trumpet, violin and country backing band. There's a strong tune up front and the agreeable voice of the principal creator, David Baldwin is credible if not commanding. The lightness of his tone is part of the charm I suppose. Tunes and accompaniments like these tend to get grizzly bear voices with that cute catch that gives some persons a bit of a tingle. Baldwin is a more believable human being, and probably a nicer man too.
There is a theme to the album, although it doesn’t intrude. The inspiration for the songs was a house where Baldwin's grandparents had lived. The grandmother died fairly young and the old man kept the house and the memories to himself for 35 years.
Baldwin took the place on, restored it and moved in. So the whole feel of the album is for one place lived in patiently over a long period. There is a continuity and a resigned domesticity that might appeal more to those who have been through the mill and are hoping to start to enjoy a more settled life.
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The production is even and confident. The lyrics are secure and true. The musicianship is more than adequate. There is no killer punch that would persuade radio stations to get over-excited or have publishers and major labels twitching their contracts. But the songs are consistently good and in a fairer world THE PANTONES would get their day in the national press and their tunes into people's car stereos.
Apart from "Lost and Found". I especially liked the more powerful driving sound of "The End Of The Phone" which has a distinct WILCO edge to it. Closing track "Footsteps On Snow" starts raw with voice and simple acoustic, then builds, in subtle steps, without losing the basic idea. It’s unhurried, sweet and true.
Baldwin has something complete with this album. I have a fantasy that, this good album done, he will now look to the rocking chair on that front porch where his grandfather smoked alone, and dream of his own family growing up as he gets old. We'll see.
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