In his second album, Daniel Champagne doesn’t stray far from the boundaries of folk, but he’s an expert in the genre.
A virtuoso on guitar, he has gradually built himself a reputation as a formidable live act; a commendation that is sometimes both a blessing and a curse as it can be difficult for that stage presence to translate into a recording.
That is somewhat true of The Gypsy Moon, but it is an accomplished release nonetheless.
His pronounced Australian accent is prominent from the get go, with the stark production of ‘Same Enemy’ highlighting the vocals. The rhythmic guitar picking drives the song and his talent as a classical guitarist shines through immediately.
The string section is a welcome addition on ‘Highway’s Hold’, giving it a sombre tone that suits the lyrics, “This world can feel like an ocean/while we’re all just sinking stones”.
‘Heart Like This’ is a catchy number, more upbeat than the others, and Mikaela Atkins’ guest vocals complete it. Her gentle, husky tones complement Champagne’s honest voice so much so that it’s a shame she only features on one track.
His rendition of Emmylou Harris’ ‘Deeper Well’ lacks the darkness that was so vital in the original, and perhaps isn’t the best choice of cover.
Elements of blues and roots are evident on ‘Night Skies, Dark Eyes’ and it’s refreshing to hear the singer play around with his vocal range a little more.
There is no doubt that Champagne is an incredibly talented musician, and there are many moments on the album where this jumps out at the listener. However, there are times when it lacks imagination or diversity, yet it really shines when he is accompanied by others, whether its strings or voice.
The Gypsy Moon (Volume 1) is definitely enjoyable to listen to, but maybe some more collaboration come Volume 2 would give it the necessary lift it needs to stand out.
