Shattered
Shattered gives the soul side of Reigning Sound the leading role. Guitars dominate less and Greg Cartwright uses his voice with greater restraint. That does not make the record detached. Sad melodies and careful accompaniment give the songs room to communicate without constantly building towards a loud release. The quieter approach creates a different way for the band to make an impact.
North Cackalacky Girl preserves enough momentum to keep them recognisable. Rhythms remain firm and the singing retains a rough edge. My My also finds a more direct rock movement. The difference from the gentler songs therefore comes from how much pressure the musicians apply rather than an entirely separate style.
Never Coming Home and Once More use strings without making everything overblown. The additional layer fits among the instruments and supports the melodies. Cartwright can communicate considerable feeling through a small change in delivery. These songs gain more from that control than from an arrangement continually growing larger. The playing gives the voice enough room to make its point.
You Did Wrong and Baby, It's Too Late bring the organ clearly forward. It gives the singing warm surroundings while maintaining movement. On In My Dreams, a guitar part has greater impact because the rest of the album uses that force more sparingly. Such differences make the connections between songs appealing, letting individual instruments contribute without crowding the whole.
The calmer direction requires adjusted expectations. Anyone mainly seeking the loud garage attack may find the first impression cautious. Familiar soul forms also remain central. The quality lies in the performances and songs. Shattered reveals a band applying less pressure while still making an impression. The melodies have enough character and Cartwright sings convincingly enough to make the simplicity work.
