Some Kind of Cure

David Berkeley is a majorly talented artist who has yet to capture the mass audience he deserves. His songwriting is without peer. The amount of emotion, pathos and insight are quite stunning. His voice prefers the lower registers but can also fly towards the sun. Some Kind of Cure is Berkeley’s fourth studio album and it works with enviable textures. It’s within the horns that gently surround “Parachute” as its gait gears up and down like a car weaving through traffic in order to find a straightaway. Whispers turn to a cruise. There’s a touch of rustic Americana in the mandolins and the harmonies belong around a fire. In truth, the album reflects Berkeley’s time with his young and growing family while living in the tiny village of Corsica. “George Square,” “Steel Mill” and “Marie” have a timeless feel to their deep, earthly charms. The album empathizes with the downtrodden but goes in search of the light. “Hope for Better Days” strikes up the band, while “Homesick” bears the weight with careful restraint.