HUMPHREYS & KEEN
THE OVERFLOW
© 2003 G. HUMPHREYS P.KEEN (9421900292028)
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Melodious, rich, darkish alternative modern rock with soaring orchestral infusions.
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Graeme Humphreys and Peter Keen were the primary songwriting partnership of the critically acclaimed Able Tasmans, a band in the Flying Nun stable of New Zealand that produced 4 albums and one EP from 1986 to 1996. Since then Graeme never stopped writing songs but lacked the vehicle to realize them… until now. The imminent departure of vocalist and lyricist Peter Keen to an oceanographic research vessel hurling about on fearsome oceans over 5km above the seabed for the next 2 years drove the two to complete the project before he left.
Recorded in November of 2003 they entered the studio with a singular vision and a lack of compromise. The result is a rich and compellingly melodious body of work with not a single dud in the line-up of tracks. Artistic goals were the only focus and Graeme and Peter are very pleased with the results.
Former Able Tasmans Jane Dodd and Craig Mason feature on this record as well as Tasmans Ron Young assisting with synth set-up and Leslie Jonkers, who provided the cover artwork. Peter Scott provided double bass on the majority of the tracks. Other selected musicians completed the picture. Victoria Kelly realized the string components and Kingsley Melhuish the brass.
Graeme Humphreys songwriting and arrangements meshed with Peter Keen’s unique honey voice make a musical experience like a big dreamy swim, but beware. The Overflow has depth, darkness and a considerable undertow.
Until 2006 Graeme worked at Radio Sport as the afternoon host and compiled sardonic sports highlight video packages as well as appearing on Sports Café on TV2 under the name Graeme Hill. Why the name-change? It is a disappointingly mundane story. While working as a DJ on bFM The Able Tasmans’ music was regularly programmed. Rather than have the unfair perception of a vested interest when Able Tasmans’ music turned up on the rotate he grabbed another surname. Problem solved, but the name stuck as far as broadcasting goes. He continues to write for television productions Eating Media Lunch and The Unauthorised History of New Zealand.
Peter Keen is indeed now spending about 6 months of the year aboard the Royal Research Ships Discovery and The Charles Darwin monitoring deep ocean currents from the pole to pole with his base being at the Oceanographic Institute at Southampton. He has also declared himself the King of Crozet Island with its wildlife his only subjects. When not at sea he lives on the Isle Of White. You can have a look at the ships and what they’re up to if you want at http://www.marine.gov.uk/discovery.htm
and http://www.marine.gov.uk/charles_darwin.htm
reviews
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the overload
author: Martin Klapperquite beautiful, but slightly overproduced (those strings....) reminds me of "the juliet letters".
Beautiful
author: CBA wonderful album of beautifully written orchestral pop. A great collection of songs.
Gorgeous!
author: MarcThis CD is full of intimate, intricate and fantastic orchestral pop, with shades of folk and that unnameable special something that makes great music great. Easily equal to the best work of the Able Tasmans, which is a good thing. Heartily recommended!!!!
Stunning return from former Able Tasmans
author: Ron MarinickI really ,really like this album, organic,melancholic ,warm and thoughtful,it is magic, I ration out my listening as it is that special,it inspires and makes me feel alive. Every now and then, a piece of music really hits home and this does that to me..Thank you
My release of the year
author: Tricia/tomatoheadI've owned this CD for about 9 months now. Not a week goes by that I don't have a listen. Some weeks, I have a listen everyday. It is heartbreaking and full of surprises, esp. the secret Chris Knox/Graeme Humphreys track with the killer Peter Keen vocals at the end. Lush orchestrations, astounding vocals, special guest appearances, nihilistic romeos, Banjo Patterson, rolling piano lines, Kiwi sounds, The Overflow has it all.