Christopher Owens - Here We Go

Even before hitting play we’re given signs that this is a new chapter, exclusive to the career of one of the world’s more beloved, troubled songwriters. For one, there’s the artwork to Christopher Owens’ debut full-length ‘Lysandre’; golden hair draped over his face - here we see a guy ready to put himself at the forefront of his art. Whereas before we all knew that it was his songwriting that paved the way for an entourage to join him on stage and perfect production for Girls’ records, this time round he’s not shying away from announcing himself, in turn revealing himself as the messed-up mind behind these narcotic-enhanced songs.

Despite all the praise heaped upon his band’s two albums, and the far from muted response to Girls’ departure, there was a sense, particularly in ‘Father, Son, Holy Ghost’ that songs were written, left to simmer, before being put together within an at times jumbled arrangement. Sure, showoff solos persist here, and there’s even room for a chipper sounding flute, but this minor issue of coherence looks to have disappeared.

The forthcoming album opens with a theme, more reminiscent of something on a recent Eels record than a Girls album that forces its way through brash guitar solos and hypnotic hymns all at once. ‘Lysandre’s Theme’ gives way to ‘Here We Go’, which, although predictably downtrodden and self-indulgent, ticks all the boxes. For here exists a songwriter that most of us are fascinated by, a figure who exposes another facet to his character with each candid interview, who despite all his faults can write one hell of a song. ‘Here We Go’ isn’t one of those, and it doesn’t announce itself with any bravado, and nor does it seem to suggest itself as a centrepiece for the debut. But this soft lull of an opener puts fears that Owens was going to sideline himself to fancy fashion shoots to rest, as well as giving bright hints to a new, perhaps more illustrious project.

Stream Christopher Owens’ ‘Here We Go’ on Soundcloud.