NED COLLETTE + WIREWALKER – 2

Ned Collette is no amateur on the music scene. He has created a number of albums with various bands as well as two successful solo efforts. 2 is Collette’s second album as the Ned Collette and Wirewalker incarnation.

Besides being an obvious reference to their second album, the title also reflects the fact that third band member Ben Bourke took time off during production. Ultimately, Collette created their nine-track offering, which was released in May, with regular band mate Joe Talia on drums and synths and guest vocalists.

Australian-born Collette now lives in Berlin and the city’s influence is obvious throughout 2. Themes of distance, fantasy, death and decline are explored throughout each song.

Overall, the album avoids the usual singer-songwriter introspective journey instead providing observational storytelling set to music. The lyrics have an almost jarring rhythm to them, but the tempo and Collette’s Spanish guitar playing is relaxed so it isn’t as off-putting as it could be. With a captivating and solemn voice, Collette is obviously a talented musician. **