Husband is the moniker of Michael Paolini, who can been described as the proud owner of a man’s hibernation beard; raw, husky and full of bristle. His music is a southern gale which mixes an contrast of fragility and coarseness.
Upon first listen, I was encapsulated by the tenderness and honesty of Husband’s story telling – full of earthy appeal and resonance. In his lyrics appears sense of growling sorrow, almost as if Paolini has been separated from his pack. He balances a sense of security and consistency that echoes throughout his music. Neil Young, Boy and Bear and The National are the obvious musical inspirations for Husband. His acoustic, folk twang that is synonymous with open road music.
Husband is the name that Michael Paolini works under to bring you gravelly, folky, Americana from (where else?) Perth.
His debut single Caught has a trademarkdusty tone, derived from the dry, distorted electric guitar sections and gravelly vocals. Yet, a certain purity lies beneath the sparseness of the track through the resonance of the shimmering piano fills, which represent the most beautiful antithesis to Paolini’s sinister lyrics.
The harsh spoken voice of Husband is straightforward and has an unparalleled wisdom and experience that prevails over the vibrant backdrop of tambourines, acoustic guitars and drums. Ironically, the humble track was recorded in Los Angeles under the expert supervision of Rick Parker, who is best known for his work with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club ( a pretty elaborate mix of genres, you have there Rick.)
Husband has received not only the attention of a successful Los Angeles producer, but also the respect of those who profess the deepest love for the iconic country sound and simple first-person approach that Paolini brings to his music.
Caught will be launched in Perth on Friday, July 4 at The Odd Fellow in Fremantle, WA from 8pm. Australian east coast dates will be announced later in the year.
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