Authentic Rootsy Debut Album
by John Aizlewood | MOJO Magazine | July 2023 issue
Damian Lewis
Mission Creep
DECCA. CD/DL/LP
Homeland actor’s authentic rootsy debut album.
In the ever-variable tradition of actors making records, Homeland/Billions star Damian Lewis is of the authenticity-seeking variety, i.e. he’s more Billy Bob Thornton than David Hasselhoff. This means covers of ‘Harvest Moon’ and, more predictably but more successfully, J.J. Cale’s ‘After Midnight,’ plus a clutch of warm, slightly jazzy originals in a similar rootsy vein. His voice is gently grizzled, whether adding grit to the otherwise supper-club ‘Wanna Grow Old in Paris’ or wigging out with reasonable conviction on ‘She Comes.’ Lyrically, he’s a touch too desperate for edge on ‘Soho Tango’ (“you took me to the toilet, gave me coke,” indeed); he seems to have a car accident in ‘Makin’ Plans,’ and there’s an all-round surfeit of sexual tension. But when everything gels on the excellent ‘Down on the Bowery’ and ‘Zaragoza,’ it’s really quite, yes, authentic.
Damian’s debut album Mission Creep was released today, June 16, 2023 and can be ordered from several outlets here. Upcoming shows include Rough Trade East (includes album signing!) on June 19, Union Chapel on July 11 in London and Mercury Lounge NYC on July 19. And Damian just announced new September/October UK Tour dates here. Don’t miss out, get your tickets now!
Mission Creep Album – Damian Lewis Music Store (UK) here
Mission Creep Album – Damian Lewis Music Store (US) here
Mission Creep Album – Several music services here or Target
Down on the Bowery – Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon and more here
Zaragoza – Pandora, Tidal, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon and more here
Makin’ Plans – Napster, Pandora, Tidal, Spotify, iTunes, Amazon and more here
She Comes – Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music and iTunes here
Source: MOJO Magazine