Independent Salford label German Shepherd Records continues to live up to its mission statement of 'different noises for your ears'. Dominic Carlton Jones' new album Salford Punk Poetry Sadness Death New Life adds to that reputation with an album that pays tribute to his late father, as he conveys his message using poetry, songs and instrumental music.
The album has a great title that immediately piques interest and suggests something articulate, personal and edgy. Thankfully, it does exactly what it says on the tin, it's poetry for the people: accessible, real and heartfelt.
Dominic starts the album with a spoken word piece and immediately sets the tone. It discusses bus journeys across the region and the significance of connections and reminisces that are invoked along the way. Dominic's vocal delivery on Set Aside has an element of Chris Sievey or even JCC in his Invisible Girls phase.
The Morning After sees Dominic meandering physically and mentally as he muses on life's big questions. It feels like a booze-soaked rumination when some of the demons that haven't quite been drowned re-surface for contemplation. The album has an element of the recent celebrated work by Public Surface Broadcasting, except this soundtrack is an invitation into Dominic's world...
He discusses the albums main inspiration; "The death of my father from bowel cancer in January of this year...That led me on to explore themes of 'geographical place'" he explains "The Lines That Are Drawn is about finding belonging/connection within your locality...and recognising the importance of living with your fellow Salfordians and Mancunians."
It's a personal and almost voyeuristic experience full of melancholic vignettes. Fall Over Into Something New is a standout track, it has a gentle feel that steps into I Am Kloot territory. That gives way to the tender lament of the poem, Personal Affects...
"I think all my music is personal" says Dominic "It's the only honest way I can write, but of course this one, yes, more so. When my father died I went headlong, first into preparing the music for his funeral which I did from the gods in the church with just voice/acoustic guitar...That period was deeply cathartic for me and really got me through it. From then, that poured into the songs on the album which equally felt like a massive release".
Mark is a tribute to Mark E. Smith and is done fittingly in a Fall-esque vernacular with a spiky, staccato delivery. The track has positivity and makes a spiritual point about how someone's family and endeavour can ensure the continuation of their legacy.
The album closes with the wonderfully titled instrumental My Right Eye Is Bleeding; it's expansive with a re-emergent tone. The track suggests a bittersweet furtherance and seems to conjure images of a skyline punctuated by cranes (you may disagree, of course).
Salford Punk Poetry Sadness Death New Life is something of a dichotomy; it's sparse in parts and filmic in others. It uses a fusion of styles to support genuine emotion and an authentic poetic voice. Dominic confronts profound and timeless issues, and then offers hope and progression. SPPSDNL feels allegorical, with passing and re-birth coming under microscope. It also feels extremely relevant, like the score of a rapidly changing city.
Salford Punk Poetry Sadness Death New Life by Dominic Carlton Jones is out now. To hear snippets from the album and purchase on download (£7) and CD (£9) see the German Shepherd website – click here
Words by Ian Leslie
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