Read our review of Furthermore by Josh Rennie-Hynes
Josh Rennie-Hynes released an acclaimed debut in 2014 – February. With that release Rennie-Hynes exhibited great talent and dropped a very impressive outing indeed, with help from classy producer (and songwriter) Shane Nicholson. You can read my full review.
The befittingly-named follow-up Furthermore was released last August through MGM. Second albums (I won’t use the term ‘sophomore’ here) can be a problematic. After all, it is often the case that the first release has had a longer gestation period while the second is more on a deadline to fit in with touring and other demands. No such problem here. The new record is a considerable leap from singer-songwriter vehicle to a fuller, more mature vision.
Furthermore was recorded in Rennie-Hynes’ personal studio, on his family farm in Woodford, Queensland. Over a period of three weeks, working everyday from morning until late at night, Rennie-Hynes produced, engineered and recorded all the songs alongside his friend Steve Grady. Together, they played the bulk of the instruments, with a focus on capturing the essence of each song and building it from a’ man-and-guitar’ sound to fully-fledged arrangements. This two-man foundation is beautifully embellished with some oh-so fine contributions from the likes of Salliana Campbell (violin), Luke Moller (mandolin), some majestic pedal steel from Shane O’Reilly, Dan Parsons (acoustic guitar) and vocals from Olivia Hally and Kim Richey. Sal Kimber, Benjamin Calwell and Halley co wrote one song each. Throw all this into the mix with Rennie-Hynes’ heartfelt vocals providing the thread throughout and you have a heady brew.
The opener ‘Where Did I Go’ is a snappy, slow hypnotic triumph. The catchy ‘Rosie’ is a song Rennie-Hynes penned for a woman he met on tour who was struggling with depression. ‘Richmond’ and ‘I’ll Go Home’ are beautifully constructed, while ‘Picture Frame’ is a hauntingly beautiful song with under-pinning banjo and plaintive pedal steel. ‘Annandale To Austin’ closes the album with a showcase of beautiful vocals and emotions. Two driving alt. country rockers ‘A Beaufort Afternoon’ and ‘Shining Down’ balance out proceedings well
The film clip for ‘Picture Frame’ was shot in the Northern New South Wales’ Hinterland, Rennie-Hynes explains “We found some great locations, it’s a beautiful part of Australia; The Cane fields, the Mountains, The Rivers. We managed to gain access to shoot in a historic Homestead that was built in the late 1800’s. Stepping inside, it literally felt like a movie set, everything appeared to be in the same place as it would have been 120 years ago, except with a layer of dust and cobwebs.” Here is the clip:
Since the release of his first album, Rennie-Hynes has toured relentlessly throughout Australia, New Zealand and the USA including shows at the Americana Music Festival and Conference in Nashville. There are still a few shows in 2016 left in support of Furthermore.
Oct 27th – Grace Emily, Adelaide SA
Nov 3rd & 4th – Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival, Bendigo VIC
Nov 10th – Four5Nine – Perth WA
Nov 11th – Good Nights, Bunbury WA
Nov 25th – Spotted Mallard, Melbourne VIC
Dec 1st – Harvester Moon, Bellarine VIC
Dec 2nd – Billy Roy’s Blues Bar, Bendigo VIC
Dec 4th – Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn Springs VIC
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Read our review of Furthermore by Josh Rennie-Hynes
