Versions - Directional Child

Hear The Track Here

Well, well, lookee here. Versions consists of Jon Partelow, Emily Schalick, Josh Griffith and an indeterminate number of others but it's the first couple of names that are probably ringing bells. Jon Partelow definitely qualifies as a Soundclick veteran by now, and by the looks of it a musical survivor. I first came across him as HELLbus when I reviewed Table Fate (January 2006), a track that assumed much greater proportions in my life after the review and I still play it every now and again. Then he popped up again (along with Emily) in what I contend is one of the very best bands to come out of Soundclick over the past few years, the late, lamented Can't Stop The Daggers.

Now read on...

There are only two tracks on the band's Soundclick page right now, this one and a basic demo with no drums. Certainly Directional Child give you a rough idea of what to expect when they get up to speed. Jon Partelow is a fine songwriter, nuanced and varied, especially given the usual rigidity of the alternative genre, even more so the American version. What Can't Stop The Daggers did, and did so well, was to bring those songs to life, adding a sharper edge that came from the combination of good musicians inspired by a great song.

Directional Child is, by it's own admission, a scratch vocal track so you shouldn't read to much into it, it will be cleaned up (and toughened somewhat I hope) but it's certainly something that shows there is life in Phoenix AZ yet. One of the best things about reviewing longer term is that I can follow a musicians ups and downs, and indeed growing experience, which is why I tend to be lenient with tracks like this. It is rough, but it's also engaging and entertaining and I suspect the finished version will be something to behold.

Recommended Alternative nonetheless.