After a brief three-year hiatus, legendary Singer-Songwriter Paul Kelly returned on November 1, 2024, with the new album Fever Longing Still. His twenty-ninth studio album, and first since 2021’s Paul Kelly’s Christmas Train, Kelly is currently amidst his fiftieth year performing. With five decades of consistency, he has certainly refused to slow down. Performing solo and with others, he has an incredible ability to incorporate multiple genres of music into his own but also thrives in his ability to insert elements of classic literature in tunes.
With this all in mind, Fever Longing Still is a prime example of his passion for literature… as the title comes from Shakespeare’s Sonnet 147. Kelly, joined by his loyal band members – Peter Luscombe (drums), Bill Mcdonald (bass), Dan Kelly (guitar), Cameron Bruce (keyboards), and Ash Naylor (guitar) – once again garnered critical acclaim. A group where all members have worked together since at least 2007, they unsurprisingly struck gold again with their efforts.
Released through Cooking Vinyl, the album features twelve songs, including “All Those Smiling Faces.” A single released on September 27th, it received wonderful veneration for its mature, Folk Rock depth and insightful lyricism, marking a return to more traditional themes in Kelly’s storied career. A great introduction to what Fever Long Still offers, the record was co-produced by Kelly and Steven Shram, exploring love, tragedy, and the nagging nostalgia that both emotions eventually lead to. With a lot going on, standouts like “Houndstooth Dress” and “Taught By Experts” showcase Kelly’s knack for layered storytelling, blending wistful lyrics with dynamic instrumental work from long-time bandmates, including Cameron Bruce on Farfisa organ and Dan Kelly on electric guitar.
The album also reflects Kelly’s recent ventures into different genres; such as Jazz but also does well to maintain the lyricism and passion that has made his music beloved by millions. Kelly shows no fear of expanding his creativity and range, choosing to follow his heart and mind to conjure up compositions that make you feel that you are experiencing the music of literature. Songs like “Double Business Bound,” with a backdrop of subtle piano work, and “Hello Melancholy, Hello Joy,” highlighted by an otherworldly brass section, further display Kelly’s musical inspirations. The lyrical themes often shift between melancholy and joy, but much like the ebb and flow of all our realities, Kelly does not create his music to transport us to a new, slightly more utopian world. Instead, he uses his art to ground us in our reality and force us to confront the realization that where we are is beautiful enough.
Furthermore, tracks like “Eight Hours Sleep” and “Going To The River With Dad” convey an intimate, nostalgic warmth, as the album comes to a close… almost as if we are reminiscing just before the final curtain call on our lives.
Fever Longing Still reaffirms Paul Kelly’s reputation as one of Australia’s foremost storytellers and musical geniuses. In short, it offers a deeply personal and artistically cohesive work that reflects his continuous evolution and connection to his Folk roots. Fans can enjoy this album’s rich musical textures and nuanced storytelling, reaffirming his lasting impact in Folk Rock. The first must-listen of Fall 2024, Cryptic Rock gives Fever Longing Still 4 out of 5 stars.
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