If opener, Start Again, is a fantastic representation of where Dave Tate is coming from musically speaking, much of The Adventure is about where he is going. This first sonic salvo, a soft and sensuously delivered minimalist ballad, is of the sort that his existing fans will be familiar with but a lot of what follows is the sound of Tate sounding out other genres and pursuing his creativity along slightly different avenues.
Undone is a more groove-driven piece built of swirling spirals of guitar and his expressive vocals, a voice that moves between Paul Simon’s slightly hushed tones and Jeff Buckley’s sky-scraping ethereality and Where I Belong is a cinematic tune full of classical sweeps and Celtic undertones. I Look Inside is a beautifully wrought, acoustic pop ballad, one adorned with chiming sonics and charming, reflective lyrics and Alchemy touches on more rootsy, slightly country vibes.
And throughout, Tate reflects on the big questions of life and the Adventure that it truly is.
