José González - Veneer

Veneer encapsulates José's eclectic influences – Elliott Smith, flamenco, Joy Division, bossa nova, along with undeniable echoes of Nick Drake, Will Oldham, Tim Buckley (and even a hint of Paul Simon), yet, across an album's worth of intimate episodes José's achievement is to nod to these antecedents while fashioning a sublimely emotional signature that is undeniably all his own - a unique and compelling new addition to the singer-songwriter firmament. Using just his own dextrously finger-picked classical guitar and captivating voice - part João Gilberto, part Paul Simon – José's music is as economical as it is seductive; stark but effortlessly melodious songwriting whose confessional, gently provocative lyrics (all sung in perfect English) are, by turns, poignant, intriguing and life-affirming. Recorded with the minimum of fuss at home on basic equipment, the eleven songs that grace "Veneer", José's bewitching debut album, blend sophisticated Latin passion with almost Bergman-esque moments of luminous stillness.