Foy Vance - Hope

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Any Cross Rhythms radio listener who has heard the current turntable hit, "Gabriel And The Vagabond", from this gem will know that Irish songsmith Vance is a huge talent. With a gnarled voice which can sound soulfully black (listen to Foy's previous radio hit, "Hope, Peace And Love") but can also take on a plaintively acoustic singer/songwriter persona, the effect on even the casual listener is often profound. Throughout the 15 songs on this set Foy conveys a passion and pathos seldom heard in today's sanitised pop and rock scene while his ability to find telling imagery, like on "If Only You Could See Yourself Like I See You" or the magnificent "Indiscriminate Act Of Kindness", demonstrates that Foy is one of the most important new songwriters to emerge for years. This full length album debut just improves with every play while the satisfyingly organic production is the perfect way to focus on Foy's songs of transcendent hope.