Everything, not just Heaven, is grey in the world of singer/songwriter Marshall McLean (http://marshallmcleanmusic.com). The cover depicts a coming storm attacking a barren tree, and the music inside has the same atmosphere of desolation. Much of that has to do with the sparseness of the arrangements. McLean aims for an intimate setting throughout the record, and the stripped-down approach gives it kind of a bleak mood.
This is one of those records that demands a lyric sheet because the dramatic impact of the songs is dependent upon the power of the words. For example, when Bob Dylan's brilliance is discussed it's usually not about the musicianship (and certainly Dylan's singing cannot hold a note) but his songwriting. Whatever insights that McLean has in lyrics is often lost because there are no printed words (at least in a completed form) to sing along with.
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Nevertheless, the missing lyric sheet doesn't tarnish what is a fairly strong record. "Desiring Violet" is the most engaging tune on here, namely because McLean's vocals are in front of the mix; his words are clearly expressed, and his acoustic guitar picking is compelling and nearly hypnotic. McLean is a solid player; check out his mesmerizing riffs on "Dandelion."
McLean has a dry, raspy voice that distinguishes him from many of the pretty-boy male singer/songwriters today. It certainly won't make young girls swoon a la John Mayer. But that's not the audience that McLean seems to be courting. Somewhere between alternative rock and folk resides this promising new talent.
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