aaamusic | On 19, Mar 2011

Painted Like a Picture is the charming debut release from Duncan Townsend. The unassuming track holds a kind of timid lure; Townsend’s voice is certainly not the strongest or most unique to be brought to us in 2011, however, it does have a mellifluous quality that perfectly fits this style of introspective tune.

The format of the track is fairly basic; it is your typical guitar-based lament that progresses with a pleasant melody that is so inoffensive it borders on indiscernible, tentatively balancing on the brink of just becoming background noise. However, taking the time to truly listen to the song you are able to realise that the track lyrically excels such boundaries with vocals that are more thought provoking than one may expect. There is an honesty to Townsend that gives verisimilitude to the lyrics and gives weight to the ideas he poses as he portrays a poignant sense of isolation: ‘I don’t belong to a nation, my feet may roam’, ‘who’d have guessed that we’re all one kind.’

This is a promising track and if Townsend stays true to his craft and retains his honesty whilst endeavouring to take more risks melodically, he has the ability to create truly poignant music in the future.

Author: Alice Cuddy