KARL CULLEY – Stripling
aaamusic | On 06, May 2015
Calmly inviting singer songwriter and guitarist Karl Culley, from Harrogate, currently lives in Krakow, Poland. With a poetic and minimalistic style, he’s sometimes compared with Bert Jansch, John Martyn, Tim Buckley, Cat Stevens and Jose Gonzalez. His inspired debut album Bundle of Nerves, recorded on the Scottish Isle of Jura, received considerable critical acclaim.
Karl’s impressive fourth album Stripling was released on April 27th, 2015 on the Sound Of Jura label. There are 12 stripped-down tracks that have been formed without any complex production. What you find is simply Karl’s rich voice, quality lyrics and his speedy fingers on an acoustic guitar.
The beautiful and hypnotic ‘Semi-Precious’ is an emotional tale about the passing of something meaningful between father and son, followed by a lively ‘Come Over To Me’ with its warmth and intimacy. Thoughtful ‘School of the Heart’ is optimistic about the company of others, whilst the rhythm of ‘Spinneret’ is atmospheric and enjoyable.
Distinctive ‘If We Were Free’ shows Karl at his most playful and humorous and ‘Namesake’ has a gentle, dreamy quality. ‘Memory’s Like A Hunting Hawk’ , about something lost, builds gradually with an edginess and intensity.
Karl has been successful in creating a moving, intricate and refreshing acoustic album. He says: “I don’t know how to classify my music but I don’t write folk songs”. These fine songs may not have the feel of traditional numbers passed from one generation to the next, but they’re very dynamic and cleverly presented.
