'Treasure Island' by Louis B Scheuer
Review
Such is the modesty of Louis B Scheuer that although I chatted with him at COVtember over the weekend, he never mentioned that he had a new release out: namely 'Treasure Island'.
However modesty might only be part of the picture as a degree of enigma is in there too.
'Treasure Island' started as a four track EP apparently & was "whittled down" to a pair of songs now released as a double A-side… except that while artists give EPs titles in addition to those of the songs, I've not heard of that applying to a single before. And there is another aspect of mystery you'll need to unwrap yourselves by going to his Bandcamp site. Since the songs are "pay as you see fit/can afford", you have no reason not to download the EP/single really.
However for the purposes of this review, pending your own explorations, I'll focus on "Liz Don't Leave" and "Paulina (A Soft Farewell)", both written on a boat and featuring Ben Jennings on lead guitar and backing vocals.
The mood is certainly consistent with some sort of relaxation aboard & a long way from either his punk work with Hedcheese or the authentic bluegrass of the Mudlands String Band. This is an artist with multiple stylistic instincts & stories to tell in each.
Both are obviously songs of parting (which I assume played a part in the process mentioned above. However there could be senses of subversion embedded within. The very jaunty (think 1960s movie soundtrack bossa nova style) song to Liz seems to be an unsuccessful plea to her not to take her own life.
Paulina gets a similarly jaunty one but this time in Country & Western format and though less obviously as dark as the preceding track, seems to deal with regret & apology for hurts inflicted and leaves the narrator adrift on the boat on which it was written.
Both songs will insinuate themselves instantly into your head but once you start concentrating on the words, you'll respond to the subtlety & seditious nuances with something of the emotional start which valuable music ought to provoke.
I'd also like to draw your attention to the latest Louis-organised "No Peace" event at The Fusilier in Leamington on 9th November (starting at 1800) featuring Stegosaurus Sex Party, Black Tape, The Boss Knots, Luxury Nan Smell, Ms Carol DJ & Disco Lou.
