Sparkly sequence, feathers and exhibitionism are nowhere in sight for the latest release from Erasure. Vince Clarke and Andy Bell return with an acoustic album of exquisite proportions.
Union Street sees the duo rework classic tracks and B-sides from their 20 year career. "They show the songs in a different light, and show that they could work on whatever instrument, synthesisers or guitars," says Andy bell.
A country and western guitar sound permeates through the first few tracks such as 'Home' and the lament of 'Piano Song'. Andy Bell provides a dramatic emotional quality to each song which would be at home in any Andrew lloyd Webber Broadway musical.
'Stay' is a beautifully crafted song with a South American feel and bongos and pan pipes combine to make you feel as if you should be driving across the Nevada desert with the sun setting, as the choir joins in.
'Spiralling' is a haunting fleecy soft ballad with Andy and a lone guitar and 'Tenderest Moments,' one of the stand out favourites, is a beautiful soul tugging track.
Hints of Erasure past creep in on the production of 'Love Affair' before the stunning lullaby 'Rock Me Gently', which sees Andy joined by a choir for the album's spectacular finalle.
Union Street's sound is surprising at first but is ultimately stripped back, raw and perhaps a grown up Erasure, doing what they do best, writing great songs. For more information you can visit: http://www.erasureinfo.com
