A_F_R_O_W_Review: “Free” by Luke Goss

F.R.E.E.
Four letters, which, in a 4.5 minute musical voyage, manage, to montage an expansive journey, of a Man, seemingly, seeking, to relinquish wordly machinations, take up the Vocational Cross of his Life-Calling, place it upon his back, and carry it, through the Creative Context, much, as he does, his guitar, through a barren desert.

Organic and open-hearted, the debut solo song, “Free”, by Luke Goss, is the auditory definition, of the “Joshua Tree” location, in which the accompanying visual treatment (also, his Directorial debut, in this area of Film-making), is shot.

The track, is breathable, with a refined, fresh-air, quality, and blueprint of elegant, sonic simplicity, capable, not only, of cleansing the listener’s aural atmosphere, but also, the, often, over-saturated Music Industry, itself.

For Production, to be so, finely-layered, as to cast a fine-tuned veil of effortless delicacy and holistic naivete, to proceedings, in actuality, requires pinpoint precision, an eloquence of Electronica and, a profound expertise, in, and appreciation, for, compositional moderation… and, “Free”, certainly, has that, in abundance.

Intricately-infused, nods, to Spanish guitar, pleasingly, pierce the ambiance of heady and heavy-California vibes, whilst, a prevalent, percussive heartbeat and dub-laden bassline, have-the-backs of 80’s inflections, reminiscent of “Depeche Mode”, Moogs and synths, “Tears For Fears” intensity, “Sting” Roots-and-Rock, with an, added, contemplative twist, of 90’s, “Massive Attack”.

Yet, for all of the genre-blending, brushstrokes, it is always clear, that the Leading Man, is Luke Goss, now, a.k.a “Luke”. His sultry, unhurried, gravel-toned vocals (sure, to become his enduring trademark), are as, inherently, spiritual and introspective, as they are, welcoming and inclusive. Complemented, by the understated urgency of his distinctive delivery, “Free”, metamorphosises into a “Sonic Statement Of Intent”, followed through, by the panoramic sweep, of, such, an impressive, visual environment.

There is the sense, that Goss is bringing us, full-circle, from the “Desert Conversation”, he started here, in his, highly-acclaimed, publication, soon, to be released, as an audiobook experience. The stirring motifs, on view, are indicative, of this Man, who has confronted and overcome his fears, and, is now, bilingual, in “Pragmatic Optimism” and “Realistic Hope”. The conclusion, being a Musical Manifesto and a, telling, testament, to his personal road, thus far.

Zoom-in, further, to discover that, as well as his debut single being an, entire, mood, Luke Goss, is a “Pioneer for Peace”… and, a spiritual movement, waiting, to manifest, within the Arts.

He knows, that Time, is precious and advises, therefore, that we “tell the ones [we] love, that [we] love them”… and, whilst the road, in the video clip, is open, leading, into an unknown, undiscovered, vanishing point, there is no doubt, that Goss is cognicent of exactly, the direction, in which he is headed… that the trajectory, is perpendicular, the momentum, ever, forward… and, that, he is not looking back.

For fans, both, established and new, the final flourish, of a, “To Be Continued” frame, is the confident signal to more, impressive projects, on that, very, same, horizon, ready, to be fulfilled.. and, what, a visionary, resonant and, Life-affirming, future, that promises to be.

∗∗∗

©A_F_R_O_W2020.

All Rights Reserved.

∗∗∗

Both, the single, “FREE” by Luke, and video are now out download/ stream and view.

∗∗

Instagram: @thelukegoss

LAUNCH: ‘ANFRAY & ANFRAY’ ARE AN ‘INSEPARABLE’ DESIGN-DUO!

As a self-confessed “wiley wordsmith”, I see the narrative in all things. Nothing being exempt, it was with deep joy that I discovered a most beautiful storyline behind the debut ring collection from esteemed jewellery design-duo, “Anfray and Anfray”.

Given that circles engender themes of a timeless and endless nature, I had already prepared to discover their inclusion in the mosaic of creative inspiration. However, what I had not prepared for, was the palpable articulation of emotional profundity, stemming from the collaborative passion of the designers, themselves. The secret? Jean-François and Alena are a couple, which gives rise to the full-force of passion being emitted though every band of deluxe rose, white and yellow gold. Thus, the choice of launching the range in the beautifully bijoux space of Mayfair’s “Wolf and Badger” boutique, was not only perfect, but perfectly complementary in, both, lighting and interior design.

Beneath the dimmed, soft-focus glow, the pieces were perched upon crystal-clear plinths, with all of the regal glamour of Hollywood starlets, ready their close-ups! For some while, I touched nothing. I merely stood, simply, quietly, deciphering the code-of-elegance which the couple had proposed. My patience was rewarded, as everso gently, the cognitive shoots of the “Anfray and Anfray” “Inseparable” concept started to spring forth. So began my mental points-of-departure, as to the “Who, What, When, Where, Why and How”, enmeshed within each, potential, ring-owner’s storyline.

I flew around upon my creative cosmic-cloud, wondering about the long-distance lovers, who might be in need of a symbol of togetherness, as a heartfelt reminder of their unique connection… Perhaps they would select a two-colour gold combination, in order to signify the neverending unison of their two entities. What of the parents, keen to commemorate a life-landmark of a precious daughter, seemingly infant-to-adult, overnight… Might the overlapping, independently-rotating elements, reassure her that, no matter how grown-up, she would always be their little girl? With every turn of tactile beading, would the distinctive song of metal-against-metal convey the message of being unconditionally loved?

Just such internal sketches were enthusiastically discussed, firstly with Zoe Hutchinson, Director of “Platform”, the outstanding PR company, responsible for unveiling this inspired collection, and, once those scenes had been set aside to mature, with Alena and Jean-François. The vibrancy with which each expressed the intent to honour the interplay of being, at once, intrinsically-linked with another, whilst also an individual, rendered it easy to understand why I sensed such an over-arching aura of emotional profundity.

Beyond the thematic concepts, the co-creators import an intense sensibility of social consciousness, with a passion, equal to that of their aesthetic awareness. Thus, not only is their collaborative ingenuity further channelled through the responsible-sourcing of all materials and the utilisation of conflict-free diamonds, but this sensitivity also perpetuates through the backstory of the ring which is acquired and/ or gifted.

Having snorkelled-up from the depths of my thoughts, I took the time to point-and press ‘last looks’ at the assembled compendium of supremely hand-crafted jewellery and to absorb the flow of electric, creative energy. I reflected upon the “Anfray and Anfray” ability to distil and impart notions and emotions into, essentially, cold matter. I connected with the fact that they display what we all possess…the ability to infuse life into that which appears to be lifeless…How, to steep the inanimate, with the animate force of love, activates earnest memories, which can reverberate through the browsing-history of time.

Jean-Francois and Alena describe it as “being bound yet free”.

I couldn’t agree more and, as I left for my next event, I realised, in a heartbeat, that a part of an undeniably stylish, undeletable evening, to launch a stunning collection of unforgettable rings,  had already come, powerfully, full-circle.

www.anfray-anfray.co.uk ~ www.platform-creative.com ~ www.wolfandbadger.com

@ANFRAYANFRAY ~ @platform_LDN ~ @wolfandbadger

©AFROW2013-2019 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED