FUV's New Dig: José González
FUV's New Dig album spotlight: José González
Vestiges & Claws
José González
Imperial Recordings/Mute Records
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Swedish singer, songwriter and guitarist José González has split his attention in recent years between his own solo career and that of his band, Junip. Although that group initially took a backseat to González's own work, the reverse has been true for a long spell. This week's release of González's Vestiges & Claws marks the musician's first solo album in over seven years, a long-awaited follow-up to 2007's Our Nature. On Vestiges & Claws, González thoughtfully reflects on life, examining all angles of interaction and introspection.
Partly recorded in the musician's own kitchen in Gothenburg, this is a quiet, intimate album meant for a cold winter's night. González looks within himself, studies those around him, and scrutinizes his surroundings. These ruminations, accompanied by the gentler cast of a classical, nylon-strung guitar, are executed in hushed tones. The understated nature of Vestiges & Claws mirrors the caring way in which José seems to regard his world.
González admires the beauty of his physical surroundings on songs like “With The Ink Of A Ghost" and the haunting “The Forest," which adds bass flute to the subdued instrumentation. Here, he is so enamored by what he sees that he tends to look past any darkness lurking in the background.
While “Let It Carry You” encourages one to cast aside the trials and tribulations of life, “Leaf Off / The Cave” is a spiritual-leaning call to turn towards “the light” for guidance. The track “Every Age” urges a count of blessings to build towards a better tomorrow while the equally philosophical "What Will" considers the power of making the proper choices in life.
“Afterglow” is more blunt, reminding us that we shouldn’t sit around or meander without focus; no one will be on this planet forever. Finally, Vestiges & Claws closes with “Open Book" as González considers his choice to open himself up for all to see. Throughout the album, he accompanies his messages with exquisite guitar playing, most notably on “Stories We Build, Stories We Tell” and the instrumental “Vissel”.
On Vestiges & Claws, José González reminds us that despite all the hostility, unrest and negativity that surrounds us in this life, there is also hope and grace. We can find this positivity and nurture it by opening ourselves to the beauty that is within us and around us.
More:
José González—Words and Music—2007
José González—Words and Music—2006
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