Album Review: Paul Kelly - Life Is Fine

The bold chords of the opening piano passage in Rising Moon immediately jump out, forming a strong foundation to what eventually turns into a formidable sonic landscape.

Guitars, organ and backing vocals all mesh together in a huge sound and the album goes tearing out the gates. Paul Kelly's latest release is eclectic, as is evident even in the first two tracks. Finally Something Good lends itself to Kelly's songwriting - specifically to his lyricism - as do Firewood And Candles, Leah: The Sequel and Letter In The Rain. In counterpoint, Rising Moon, Rock Out On The Sea and My Man's Got A Cold highlight a rock-solid band.

My Man's Got A Cold throws something new entirely into the mix with the guest vocals of Vika Bull, as well as a gritty, Tom Waits-esque instrumentation behind her. Don't Explain sees Kelly once again deferring vocal duties to another vocalist; this time Linda Bull.

Overall the album explores new and interesting sonic and instrumental territory for Kelly, with his recent releases being in collaborations, soul music and Shakespearean sonnets. That being said, one can still find familiarity laced through these bold new works. Kelly's writing still resonates with powerful imagery and vivid settings, as well as the occasional and familiar injection of faith and religion for good measure. Fans of his formative work and 'classics' may not be completely sold on some of the material, however anyone who has followed his musical journey will surely see this as yet another powerful stride forward.