- Fearful Wiggings is the latest addition to the extensive back catalogue that is Dave Graney’s. Ever the contrarian, this mainly acoustic effort follows on from the seriously rocking album that was Dave Graney and the MistLY’s You’ve Been In My Mind, and from the first notes, one can’t help but reflect on just how self-determined Dave is. From his work in The Moodists, with The Coral Snakes and the MistLY, and with roughly two dozen albums under his belt, Dave has never been beholden to trends, never one to accept mediocrity and has always searched for his own voice. This has been happening over five decades. Dave hasn’t gone away, he’s kept coming up with the goods.

It all begins with the glorious A Woman Skinnies a Man Up, a song for the aspirational romancer inside all of us, desperate to find that special one. One doesn’t need to consult the non-verbal dictionary here, Dave has laid it all out for us. How Can You Get Out of London is possibly a meditation on years gone by, a stint living in the English capital and subsequent abrupt ending. Country Roads, Unwinding details a love of long-distance driving. It also makes an important point, Dave is no farmer. What Dave is however, is a great documenter, and never dull. His songwriting subjects cover any matter of curiosities, something which is strongly stamped on this album.

The title track Fearful Wiggings though, deserves its own review. A dedication to his musical partner of many years, Clare Moore, it’s a courageous song in that it’s deeply personal. It speaks of the union that has defined a lifetime of music. It feels like you’re watching an old European film, it’s both touching and at times hilarious. The line “Now’s not the time for tears / Don’t know when that is” simply floors, whilst the image of Dave riding a scooter off the train into city traffic is laugh out loud funny. And well, “all this emotional stuff,” people do lap it up!

Technically speaking, Dave’s vocals and guitar playing really come to the fore on this album. The vocals were recorded by Lisa Gerrard (of Dead Can Dance) at her rural Victorian property and one could argue Dave’s voice has never sounded better. Nick Harper, son of folk legend Roy, supplies some stellar guitar parts. Clare Moore provides her backing vocals and percussion to many of the songs with great effect.

All in all, it continues the musical journey of Dave Graney. For all of those already familiar with the story, they will find a new love with this album. It may take a few listens, but arguably all the best albums do.

- Ian Powne.