I like this “Live As One” by Casey Barnes, an artist from Tasmania, who grew up musically in Queensland and Tennessee. A fresh sound, young and modern, perfectly in line with the taste of the fans of the new country music scene. Recorded at the Sound Emporium Studios in Nashville with his friend Rick Price, the Cd also includes Nick Didia, producer from New Jersey, who has worked with the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Rage Against The Machine. “Live As One” is a marvellous collection of tracks (11), written for the most part by Barnes himself, ranging in so many directions, touching many aspects of people’s lives. It meanders from everyday topics such as love and romantic relationships to the need to defend and safeguard essential values, such as equality and hope. Take for example the title track, “Live As One”, a true anthem to hope, which became famous in Australia thanks to a highly effective video. Very nice also, “Just Like Magic”, a song that Luke Bryan or Kip Moore could easily like, written by Casey along with Michael Paynter and Michael Delorenzis. A rhythmic country music sound, barely touched by the Australian style, which ranges between rock and pop, but still sounding excellent. Of course, the Nashville sound is very present in the arrangements but, according to me, this is an added value, and not a flaw. All this, however, to function properly must be supported by a good voice and a convincing performance, all things which Casey undoubtedly has, and, thanks to these, the Cd sounds great. I would also like to mention, some of my favourite songs; the opening track “Flesh & Bone”, “The Crossing” and “Waiting On The Day”, definitely the most pop sounding track of the album, in which many will detect a bit of Keith Urban. Ultimately the world of Australian country music has been enriched by a new talent. I like this “Live As One” by Casey Barnes.(Gianluca Sitta)
