Geva Alon, In the Morning Light (2B Vibes Music/ADA)

Arts Correspondent

Wednesday 18 July 2012

Geva Alon is an Israeli singer/songwriter who, here on his fourth album, skirts whimsy and mere earnest strumming and moves towards something distinctive and substantial.

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Phil Miller

He has a rich, sometimes cutting voice, reminiscent at times, on folk-pop melodies such as Carolina, of a young Cat Stevens, retaining an edge amidst the pleasant acoustic-rock aural surroundings.

The opener, The Great Enlightenment, is also a single, but it is not the strongest track. Closing side one, I Wonder If She's Fine and Valor Girl are unusual and lingering songs which could be ephemeral but thanks to Alon's determined delivery and neat, poetic lyrics, reach something richer and finer.

The album is rich and gorgeous: a fine job has been done by producer Thom Monahan, who produced Devendra Banhart and Vetiver in the past. The band is good too: there's Jeff Hill, from Rufus Wainright's band, as well as Daniel Hindman of Vetiver. There's a sinewy strength and subtle edginess beneath all the ruminative prettiness. If this album does not break Geva Alon into the mainstream, his next one might.

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Geva Alon, In the Morning Light (2B Vibes Music/ADA)

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