William Hut
Nightfall
Universal

7

William Hut has a special place in my history. Hut's former group, Poor Rich Ones, first got me interested in Scandinavian pop music way back in 2001. Their album "Happy happy happy," was a sparkling gem, and once I started learning about this band and other talented Scandinavians, I never looked back. Hut has one of the most pleasing, melodically sweet voices in rock and he's clearly in touch with his feminine side. "Nightfall" isn't quite a classic, but it's pretty good. Hut always puts melody above all else. In fact, all four of the closing songs here capture Hut at his best. Missing are the diverse prog-rock stylings Poor Rich Ones conceived with such flair whereas most songs here are rather simple and laid-back. There are no unequivocally brilliant songs. What is here is merely pretty and kind of soothing, but that is still a good sight better than half the platters I've heard lately.
- Kevin Renick