Project Description
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CAMERON ALEXANDER
‘Ruminations’
EP Review
(2nd December 2022)
Review by Melanie Griffiths
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Cameron Alexander, Perth singer-songwriter releases his debut EP “Ruminations”, and it’s a pearler of a songbook. You could go into a cerebral analysis of why this is a stunner EP but on first listen, it’s obvious. The indie-folk artist’s EP conveys a sprawling soundscape and vulnerable observations on himself, mental health, nature and how it all coexists in the world around him. Rather than slick, “Ruminations” is polished to exude a warmth that will attract many fans and marks Cameron as an exciting songwriter and artist to watch in 2023.
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Still Water
“Still Water” has some brilliantly fresh and sparkling guitar playing on it. As an introduction to the EP the song beams with a sense of hope. The sonic landscape of the folk song has that mercurial Australian vibe with the arrangement providing a lot of space to allow the instruments to meld together. Uplifting strings, angelic backing vocals coupled with the gruff edge of Cameron’s voice sets the EP off strongly on its journey.
The Shame
The introspective atmosphere of “The Shame” and Cameron’s ruminative lyrics permeates the song with a sense of longing. The album was recorded and produced by Andy Lawson of Noah Dillon, Eskimo Joe and Draphy fame at the Debaser Studios in Perth. Immediately what impresses about “Ruminations” is the considered way the production elements have been addressed. The result, and in “The Shame’s” case, is a sound that drifts through your speakers with finesse. Within the song itself, Cameron switches up the downtempo to end the song with impassioned gusto.
This Storm
This EP encapsulates a lot of Cameron’s soul searching. His songwriting strengths come through on this as he bares his fears and hopes as he “weathers this storm”. “The Storm” hints that, in time, he could very well stand alongside other famed Aussie songwriters like Dean Lewis, Dustin Tebbutt and The Paper Kites’ Sam Bentley. It’s a romantic ballad that sweeps and dives like a seabird to an ocean. “It’s been a long day, and my body is aching so could I weather this storm.” The dreamy production of pianos, strings and soaring vocals hits a deep emotional chord. Restrained rather than overwrought, it pulses with quiet optimism.
Winter of Mine
Cameron’s indie-folk pensiveness comes through on this track which rumbles through the first couple of verses before a tempo change keeps the interest and foot tapping. With all his melancholic themes that weave through the song of “Ruminations”, Cameron shows deftness in having the light peek through around the darker edges. “Winter of Mine” is a strong example of that, capturing our attention and hooking us in. This tune will have you singing in solidarity with Cameron “in my fortress built so high, could you show me love?” as it builds its tension.
Seen The Sky
Staring out at the rolling waves and contemplating life, is what “Seen The Sky” feels like. Stripping back the instruments Cameron utilises an acoustic guitar, a melancholic violin and airy vocals to convey dreamy interludes and a sense of wonderment. It’s a noble way to bring an EP filled with “Ruminations” to a close. His thoughts still lingering on the final chord Cameron hasn’t solved it all but even as he sings “so sail away, leave it all behind, leave it all behind” you get the sense that he’s accepted he’s doing okay.
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Follow CAMERON ALEXANDER
Website – Instagram – Facebook – Spotify
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Press Release November 2022 (below) HERE
CAMERON ALEXANDER
releases his
highly anticipated debut EP
‘RUMINATIONS’
A nod to mental health,
nature and an
existential view to the world
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