Bob Kemmis
Arena Ready
Red Hare Music

Coming from the “never heard of him/her/them before” school of unsolicited CDs that seem to keep dropping through my letterbox; the nicely shot cover picture of a rather forlorn figure in shabby bed-sit/motel room didn’t really offer much of a clue as to what to except and little indication that it would be such a gem. I always give everything its due though and Bob Kemmis, the album cover’s forlorn cover figure, certainly delivers. Although never likely to be remotely near ‘Arena Ready’, he nevertheless plays an understated blinder on this lovingly crafted set of astutely written pop tunes. Delivered in a softly bittersweet tone, that probably would have made him a household name in the late 70’s – think Nick Lowe, Elvis Costello, Squeeze. As adept with a hook as he is with a rhyme, his self-effacing, sometimes blackly comic lyrics are a real treat. ‘Freak Luck’, as bizarre a love story as you’ll find – “Freak luck put a car in the way / I wasn’t looking for love but our eyes met/ As I bounced off your Chevrolet”.

Essentially based around guitar, bass and drums perhaps it could be argued there’s nothing overly ambitious in the song’s arrangements, though there’s deceptively a lot more to them than initially meets the ear and Simon Kendall in particular, of the musicians featured, on piano, vibes, organ, Wurlitzer, accordion, tubular bells, clarinet and more besides certainly makes his presence felt. Bob Kemmis is evidently a master tunesmith and no slouch as a lyricist either so there’s absolutely no need to over elaborate things when the raw ingredients are of such high quality.

Twenty-five years out of time and place it may be, but ‘Arena Ready’ is as welcome as it was unexpected and should Bob ever venture from hometown Vancouver to the UK for some shows, I’ll be there for sure.

Geraint Jones
January 2005

Posted by Bob at February 9, 2005 03:11 PM