Pico – Morning Sun

Morning Sun – Pico

by Aidan Roberts

Earnest is the word to describe this album from low-key song-man Pico, a collection of cross-seasonal musings and laid-back explorations of love, life and the rest. Nestling somewhere between Jack Johnson, Nick Drake and Neil Finn in flavour, we’re treated to quite a colourful collection. Perhaps at times the earnesty is a little overwrought, but there is a milky gentleness in the spirit of these songs that is admirable, even refreshing. His clear passion for the environment, and whales in particular, makes for some genuinely moving thoughts; “Your heart’s too big, that’s why you bleed more than anyone I know” he sings in the breezy opener Holy Wine. Similar sentiments follow in weepers Ride With You and Holding On. The sound here is commercial and crisp, Johnson-style Dobro’s and woody acoustics giving the mix a summery glow – and Pico’s floaty voice stitches it all together with crowd-pleasing chill. Still, there’s something missing here to make this really engaging art, but with Pico’s warm-hearted spirit and pleasant songs, perhaps that doesn’t matter so much.

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