Final Refuge

It's new, yet nothing new; more of the same, yet different; it's trusted like a good friendship that is gaining in depth and quality over time, yet is often taken for granted. This much could be said about the work of songwriter and singer Ad Vanderveen and his new offering 'Final Refuge'. While his work is often compared to greats like Neil Young, Bob Dylan or Townes Van Zandt, Ad Vanderveen could well be considered one of the most obscure and reluctant superstars the world has never seen. Despite the size of and high critical acclaim for his artistic output both on records and in live performances he has maintained a low profile and, in his own words calls; 'the inner eye a greater priority than the public eye'. In Final Refuge's lyrical content, spiritual and mystical themes alternate with more mundane affairs, covering subject matter that most serious and grown up music lovers could relate to like reflections on transience, love and faith, as well as more personal inquisition, self-knowledge and worldly philosophy. 'Final Refuge' is a well balanced and rounded whole, with a consistent atmosphere and rich ambient sound throughout. Acoustic instruments like guitar, piano, upright bass, banjo, hang drum and percussion weave through the minimal chord structures that support the poetry always central to Vanderveen's work.