Kav Temperley’s second solo album encapsulates beauty and for an album written and recorded throughout a pandemic, lockdowns and border closures, it’s a testament to Kav not only as a musician but also as an artist and storyteller. Living in WA he was both restricted by not being able to leave the state but also blessed with the lack of severity faced by the east coast and somewhere in between blessings and restraints is where this album sits. It has high’s, it has sadness, it has hope and it has strength. A departure from the Eskimo Joe sound, this is Kav carving his own path into Australia’s musical landscape and we are so glad he decided to take the trip.

Emergency in D Minor starts off the new album for Kav Temperley Machines of Love & Grace, and it sets the listener up beautifully for what is to come on this 11-track sophomore release from the Eskimo Joe frontman. It is smooth, it is soulful with glistening saxophone work and a touch of rock.

Homesickness is a classic rock ballad with the added vocal support from Siobhan Cotchin, you can picture driving with the top down along coastal roads with this cranking through the speakers.

Machines of Love & Grace, the title track is a heavy, crunchy guitar track with a haunting feel to the verses that just sucks you in and leaves you wanting more before the strong chorus kicks back in

Graduation Day, the first single to come from the album day again receives beautiful vocal support this time from Katy Steele ( Little Birdy) but it’s the range demonstrated by Kav in this song that stands out as it shows his versatility. Another rocky ballad, this one has a more bouncy uplifting feel.

The Fence has a more acoustic feel which really works for this track about “Fence-sitters” and then the most beautiful violin accompaniment kicks in, which just elevates this song to a whole other level. The Fence features the iconic John Butler in what is a dreamy vocal pairing with Kav and is the latest single to be released from the album.

Last of the Wine is a catchy, upbeat rock-pop song, almost a ballad but that label just doesn’t fit with the musical arrangement, only with the lyrics. This song is another example of the diversity Kav is capable of vocally.

Twin Flame on the other hand is the epitome of the ballad tag, verses that talk, that tell the story and a chorus with a twinkly piano and a raw, emotional message delivered with a love that you can hear. It’s floaty like all good ballads seem to be.

Emergency Interlude shifts the album to a whole other place, it marks a change in where you as the listener is going next

Friendship Fire smoothly draws you in before building into a crescendo of guitars and drums more in keeping with what EJ fans would be used to and more of a surf-rock feel.

Just A Fool is a clever demonstration of how musical instruments can be used, with shakers and that unmistakable tap on an acoustic guitar used to create a sound that is distinctive, clean and has a purity not often heard in this generation of electronic music makers.

Waterfalls, the final track closes the album out beautifully, you are returned to that summer, driving in the car or sitting on a verandah with that warm late-night breeze feel and it leaves the listener wanting more. It’s catchy and has a dreamy feel to it that would be at home on any radio station.

Stand-outs Tracks - Machines of Love & Grace and The Fence,

For more information www.kavtemperley.com.au

Kav Temperley - Machines of Love & Grace