Larry D/Pocket Dog - Back to You
Folk, Songwriter
Virginia, U.S.
Overall Impression: Wonderfully Performed and tenderly written, Larry Dilworth's "Back To You" offers listeners an authentic sounding and undeniably charming folk-inspired piece of songwriting that once again blissfully combines Larry's thoroughly engaging vocal performance with the rich full-bodied tones of his trusty 12-string Taylor acoustic, resulting in a listening experience that bears both an amiable sense of character and a sense of relatability that listeners will find most welcoming. "Back To You" is very much a tune that has the simple desire to take listeners on a soothing musical journey, and having listened to the track a few times now, I think it's safe to say that it most definitely succeeds.
Strongest Point(s): From the very first strum of the acoustic guitar, "Back to You" gently ushers you into its world, a place where time slows down, and every note feels like a whispered secret. The song's intro is akin to a gentle, welcoming embrace, inviting you to embark on a journey of reflection and introspection. As the lyrics start to flow, you'll find yourself enveloped in a poetic narrative that feels like pages torn from the songwriter's own diary. Each word carries weight, painting a vivid picture of love's enduring struggles. As to be expected, Larry brings these lyrics to life in a particularly graceful manner thanks to his compelling, understated vocal style. It quivers with vulnerability and resonates with authenticity, tugging at your heartstrings with every note. Larry's delicate tonal and dynamic qualities help infuse the lyrics with the heart needed to really draw you into the music. The instrumental arrangement is a testament to the power of simplicity. By having just vocals and guitar take center stage, a more intimate feeling is created. This not only allows for greater listener engagement but also ensures the lyrics are given the space needed to really breathe within the arrangement. Whilst the acoustic guitar provides the arrangement with a steady rhythmic heartbeat, Larry's delicate vocal melodies are able to gracefully move across the underlying chord progression, allowing the music to adopt a laid-back and relaxing character that gently sweeps you up into its arms. It's also important to note how well Larry utilizes dynamics in his guitar playing and the way he's able to subtly alter the intensity of the guitar parts in order to highlight certain key points in the lyrics helps reinforce their effectiveness tremendously. In conclusion, "Back To You" serves as an engaging story of love, loss, and the ever-persistent tug of the past. It's a reminder of the universality of human experiences, a balm for the wounded heart, and a promise that no matter how far you wander, you'll always find your way back to the things that truly matter.
Target Audience Appeal: "Back To You" is a strong piece of Folk songwriting and I'm sure it will strongly resonate with lovers of the genre.
Artist target suggestions: Bob Dylan, Nick Drake, Loggins & Messina, Neil Young, Van Morrison, Harry Nillson, James Taylor, Jim Croce, Cat Stevens, Simon & Garfunkel, John Prine, John Martyn
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About the Reviewer:
Andre Avanessian is a freelance session guitarist, composer, and sound engineer based in the U.K. Having studied music production and composition at a degree level, he has taken his passion for all things audio-related to a level that has allowed him to become both a competent musician and performer. Being a self-confessed "Guitar Nerd" Andre has been continually studying the guitar as well as teaching it, helping students learn the instrument, develop their songwriting, and become proficient in home recording.