Rainmaker, the debut album from the UK-based band "Water", features a dozen original compositions awash in Beatles inspiration. This refreshingly diverse compilation is firmly anchored by band members Chris O'Neill, Paul McDonaugh, Gary Harmon and Dave Reilly. Chris O'Neill may be familiar to many of you through his portrayal of George Harrison in the 1993 film Backbeat.
The vocal performances, handled by Chris and Paul, plumb both familiar and uncharted waters. Sunday Afternoon, Telegram and Do You Get It? are delivered with an eerily familiar McCartney vocal (Chris) while Take Me to the Doctor, Wild Heart and Wake Up To Your Love (Paul) drip with Lennon, Dylan, and Tom Evans (Badfinger) overtones. My favourite track, Baby Blue, features fantastic harmonies by both Chris and Paul. Black Elvis is another stand out and a lot of fun too, from it's Free As a Bird slide guitar riff to its vocal calisthenics and Rutlesque Let's Be Natural chorus. The most polished track on the album is The Sun is King with a decidedly U2 and Police flavour. Also very worthy of mention is Razorblades, a beautiful ballad with a cutting edge.
Track Listing: Heroes and Heroines, Sunday Afternoon, Take Me To The Doctor, Razorblades, Telegram, Wild Heart, Do You Get It?, The Sun is King, Baby Blue, Black Elvis, Wake Up To Your Life, Rainmaker.
Review Summary
Title: Rainmaker
Artist: Water - Chris O'Neill, Paul McDonaugh, Gary Harmon, Dave Reilly