José González "Veneer" (Mute)
By Peter A. Holden
Tuesday. Jul 11, 1:52 PM
Demonstrates the romance that can exist between a voice and a guitar.

Effervescence. That's the word that comes to mind when listening to Veneer. It's a feeling of slow release of bubbles and air from the main body. It drifts up, out, and disappears into the ether but remains lingering somehow. José González has a delicate solemnity to him that only a patient approach to life can offer. Often compared to Nick Drake and Elliott Smith, his songs emanate from the same spirit but do not betray their own character. There's a uniqueness to Mr. González that only can be described as pivotal. A bit like one of those Egyptian obelisks: from a distance it seems like any other statue. Get up close and personal and you find yourself captivated by unique beauty. He demonstrates the romance that can exist between a voice and a guitar. His classical guitar playing is graceful and light, but effulgent. Not depressing or dark, but hopeful even if at first seemingly a little sad. From the first essential bursts of "Slow Moves," you are soothed and welcomed. Once you hit "Heartbeats," you are swooning in a rapturous charm that draws you into a lullaby of adult melody. Those heart strings we all know so well? He tugs at them gently.

All of this is captured in short but poignant songs: no track ever breaks the four-minute mark. In that regard, he epitomizes the magic and genius of the punk song but in a folkish manner that Bob Dylan would marvel at. For those times when instant gratification is needed – without the cheesy veneer (no pun intended) of pop culture – José González will satiate. His music is immediate and timeless.
www.jose-gonzalez.com
www.mute.com

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Peter A. Holden

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