Search - Witness U.K. :: Under a Sun

Under a Sun and Closer to Perfect

WrtnWrd | Northridge, CA USA | 10/22/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From the strums of the unassuming "Here's One for You" that quickly turns into an epic search for a place to call one's own, throughout the 13 tracks of Witness U.K.'s sophomore CD Under a Sun, a major band announces itself with simplicity and power. Songwriter Gerard Starkie doesn't flinch in the face of big U2-like emotions, or embarrass himself with overreach the way other bands have with which Witness U.K. share a passing resemblance: The Waterboys, the Verve, Van Morrison, R.E.M.. Their debut, Before the Calm, was very good, but no preparation for the quantum leap of Under a Sun. Whereas the debut was all elliptical mystery, Under a Sun is a sucker punch to the gut. Each of the 12 cuts make immediate and deep connections, sharing with an audience its search for belonging ("My Time Alone"), for closure ("Closing Up"), for literal meaning amidst the metaphoric ruins (the timely "Avalanche"). Every year there are dozens of records to enjoy and very few to get passionate about. Here's one to live with and adore."