Thursday, 16 December 2021

David Browning - Christmas Presence


9 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy-stream Christmas Presence here (external link)

Discovering a new artist (to me) because of their Christmas music is like finding that one last gift under the tree when you think you've already opened them all. You not only get to immerse yourself in a new annual favourite holiday playlist, but spend time investigating their back catalogue all the live long year until the next season of Yule rolls around. Such was the case with David Browning who is going to catch a proper chill on his chest judging by his album cover for Christmas Presence. The singer-songwriter has crafted a sparkling set of emotive songs that cover ever facet of the range of emotions that often run rampant at this time of year. He conveys his sometimes wry, often heartfelt observations in a charming, always relatable manner that makes Christmas Presence a joy (to the world) to listen to...
  • Merry Christmas ~ well this is a charming opening; a plea to embrace the spirit of the season and find a little kindness in the world. A swaggering, engaging instrumental swathes Mr Browning's vocal with a cheeky and playful attitude; these play nicely with his sincerely delivered titular wish. That it becomes a big, convivial sing-along makes it a song so enormously delightful that it is a wondrous as when Miss Davies asks for $17.50 in It's A Wonderful Life.
  • Christmas With Melania ~ oh the absolute sass of this song; a sparse funky groove drenched in opulent chimes and pulsing grooves that sound decadent and sumptuous. The song is a metaphor for the seemingly emotionless former first lady; a wry observation of her time decorating the most famous home in the USA. It is rather catchy and quirky; the type of song you might see the Queens performing to on RuPaul's Drag Race...
  • Fight No More ~ I love a sad, melancholy ballad at Christmas; there is something oh so much more poignant about sorrowful songs. This one is lovely - up there with favourites of mine (like Debbie Gibson's Christmas Without You or Erasure's She Won't Be Home); an honest exploration of the tensions that can seep into the season set to lilting piano and sweeping orchestral style accompaniment that helps your tensions melt away like the most delicate snowflake.
  • Good King Wenceslas ~  this haunting interpretation takes melodies with the instrumental; crafting an organic wall of sound that is vivid and tangible as any winter wonderland. There is no denying the flourishes of dramatic cymbal add to the majesty of the song - and David is a genuinely captivating narrator. The crescendo of the song ensures the listener not just hears the story but feels very much a part of it. 
  • Search for Love (featuring Yvette Barnard) ~ if you are not a Brit you probably won't be aware of what a big deal being in the top ten singles chart is at Christmas. An iconic tradition when artists release their most timeless/mesmerising songs. This instantly classic duet with a lead vocal from Ms Barnard is the type that used to race up the charts regularly - cinematic in scope, emotive in delivery. Showers healing glitter over the cracks in your heart. 
  • Sexy Christmas (Ho Ho) ~ who doesn't love a bit of flirtation and seduction at the most wonderful time of the year? Emotions are heightened, libations are flowing, connections are rekindled - this radiant dance groove positively drips with lip-biting lasciviousness. David delivers an invitation that would be most difficult to resist. Surely that is the point of the song?! Play loud whenever you need a bit of courage to get your festive horn on...
  • Christmas in Paris ~ a love letter in lullaby form to the most romantic place in the world uses expressive musical brush strokes to paint an enchanting visual. Infused with elements of traditional French music and a shimmering chorus (with lyrics en Français), it captivates and charms with every single note. Kudos to Eric Bussiere and the French Chipmunk Children for bringing such vocal delights to the song.
  • I'll Be Home For Christmas ~ crackling fire and piano accompaniment makes this an intimate pledge to whoever is listening. David takes the classic song and makes sure that it radiates with the earnest honesty in his achingly hopeful vocal. His "only in my dreams" gives you the sense that he sings not only to make his wish a reality but because it would be too hard to keep the feelings inside. We feel every sentiment with him.
  • The Present ~ the album comes to a close with this ode to embracing what you can do in the world today rather than focusing on all your yesterdays or what might lie ahead tomorrow. A simmering instrumental (that shuffles along like the most inspiring sleigh ride) with gently layered vocals makes this a gift of a song so enormous that surely only Briony from Arthur Christmas could find a bow big enough to do it justice. 
**Ghosts of Christmas past**
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