Greenville Scene

Austin Webb
Written Photography
3/5

by: Michelle Hannon

Written Photography is actually a fitting title to Austin Webb’s debut album (or EP, as it only has seven songs.) The songs are built around Webb’s penchant for poetic description and gruff delivery. What a welcome change from the world of bland, over-done everything that is Top 40 and the local rock scene which is heavily influenced by it. Though still tender in years (he just turned 19 and was 18 when the album was made), Webb does not wallow in premature adolescent emotions very much. Instead, he has the courage to write about things that truly interest him, that truly affect him. Not every song is about some chick that dumped him. I’m not sure there’s even one of those. Refreshingly, Webb actually takes his focus off of himself from time to time to look at the world around him.

The first two songs on the EP are the most Dylan-like. “It’s A Long Way Down The Hall” opens with a harmonica swell that dives into an upbeat tune about searching for answers. A fitting beginning. The next tune, “Sound of Sorrow” is not sorrowful sounding at all. It’s another upbeat tune about starving children and war. The third track “Take Me Home” is one of the strongest of the album. Here Webb’s husky, sometimes squeaky voice lingers over sincere lyrics which only now get around to the topic of romance. “Stolen Mine Forever” is one of the few places where I think the lyrics take a turn for the cheese. Here Webb is a teenager in love. Although the imagery about eyes and ships and whatnot make me search for the FF>> button, it’s still better than anything Fergie has to say on the subject. “With A Tear” is a better take on matters of the heart with intelligent lyrics and imagery. “Freedom” is one of Webb’s ‘hits’. It is a well-composed foot stomper about politics and well, freedom. This really is a good song, but I don’t have much more to say about it simply because it’s not my favorite subject matter. The closing track “In The City” is the albums most complex arrangement. It begins with soft acoustic picking which turns into sharp staccato strumming which turns into a laid back pre-chorus which turns into a full blown band-backed chorus. It is a bit disjointed feeling at first, but the chorus is so inviting that I quickly forget about that. Webb smartly closes with a song which continues the questioning of the opener by pondering his place in the world.

Austin Webb’s first effort Written Photography drips with possibility. But there are a few things that must develop along the way if Webb is to have musical success. It is clear that this young man has raw talent as evidenced by his lyrics, playing and songwriting. However, his vocals make the songs hard to listen to at times due to their roughness. I would also like to hear stronger melodies. Don’t get me wrong, the album has good melodies, but sometimes they are lost in the gruff or need emphasis.

Austin Webb is definitely an artist to watch in 2008. You can get a start on that Friday, December 28th when he opens for Corey Smith at The Handlebar.

www.myspace.com/austinwebbmusic