Searchlight - Charlie Groves

Musician and Composer, Charlie Groves, best known for his work with London's Holy Trinity Brompton, has released a new studio recorded album. 'Searchlight' is released independently and includes contributions from percussionist Terl Bryant. Charlie is now living in Bristol after a five year spell in Cape Town, South Africa.

Reviewed by Rob Andrews crossrhythms.co.uk
Now back in the UK and living in Bristol after a five year spell in Cape Town, South Africa, Charlie is, of course, best known as a long-time worship leader with Holy Trinity Brompton. But in the main these aren't congregational worship songs. Rather, this home-produced collection is a reflection of where, in spiritual terms, Charlie has been recently, and where he finds himself now. This begins with the catchy "I Believe", while the quirky "Neil And Ryan" is a nod towards Charlie's US music heroes Neil Young and Ryan Adams, I was surprised at how these gentle, but often deep, acoustic guitar-based tunes overlaid with Charlie's mellow voice grew on me. It demands little of the listener, which is why perhaps it is so attractive in its simplicity. Towards the end of this 10-track offering, "Never Been This Way" stands out for me as a real change in style - very much like the indie-pop of the early '90s band the Beloved. Definitely one for a Sunday afternoon when contemplating life and the gritty reality of the world we live in.