REVIEW : The Graduation Ceremony - Weekly Alibi

I usually would argue with the idea that “simple is better.” But when it comes to Joseph Arthur's new album, The Graduation Ceremony, it's impossible to disagree. 

Arthur's voice is complimented beautifully by guitar, bass, keyboard, drums and back-up singers. Never once does one instrument overpower another. Instead it’s an artful dance of vocal and instrumental harmony. 

Arthur's range is incredible, and the album is calm yet twinged with despair and heartbreak. 

And just when you think his melancholy is too much, he drops a little note of hopefulness into the mix. (SB)