[usr 5] Utterly authentic and classic country-roots album “You live the life I’ve lived/you’d know the way country sounds.” As he details excerpts from his life, there’s no denying the raw honesty of Jeremy Pinnell’s pure and deep vocals on his opening track, The Way Country Sounds. With dark lyrics and real-life storytelling, …
At The Helm Records (in association with Last Chance Records) [usr 4] A talented writer and musician, listening to Best is like reading a book cover to cover. YOUR DOG, CHAMP is the solo debut of Brent Best; a talented singer-songwriter from Texas whose penchant for literature influences his intelligent lyrics and informs …
Self-released [usr 3.5] Irish Gaelic roots singer-songwriter expands her horizons A native of Tipperary, Paula Ryan has drawn on her Irish Gaelic roots whilst exploring the influences and unusual instruments of other cultures. She has come up with an album that is ‘solo’ in the true sense of the word. As well as writing …
Self-released **** A concept album that isn’t really Pack away your preconceptions for this is no prog-rock double album that goes on for approximately 15 weeks with no discernable difference between each track. No and definitely no, this is an album of beautifully crafted songs that could all stand alone quite comfortably, and the …
Learpholl Recordings **** Ian Prowse makes a welcome return with his second solo album, Compañeros. Compañeros, Ian Prowse’s latest album, isn’t the easiest to rate out of five. I’ve not given it a perfect score as it didn’t blow me away, but it’s a very listenable 50 minutes of material that I can’t really fault …
Woodburner *** A medley of musical influences and brutally honest observations. Clever creativity Self-penned and self-produced, in collaboration with Tansay Omar (the mind behind works by the likes of Bjork and Boy George), Theo Bard’s YOU GIVE EP is an unusual and intriguing production. Never Alone is a strong opening track that shows off …
Busted Flat Records **** Canadian singer-songwriter hits mark with third recording Based in Hamilton, Ontario, Duane Rutter looks, and sounds, like he’s lived a life and then some. “A published poet, preacher, gravedigger, hell raiser…” states the CD publicity. On first listening, Duane sounds like he really means it. His voice has a rasp …
Reviver Records ** Distinctly average EP where the majority of the tracks get very boring, very quickly After a re-branding and a new record deal, LOCASH released their new EP I LOVE THIS LIFE on October 30. Unfortunately there is a lot of work that needs to be done to this EP for it …
Barrelmaker Records *** Write what you know The adage passed from dad Steve to son Justin Townes Earle and thence to friend Brian Ritchey. So he has and BORDEAUX is the result – 11 self-written songs that detail loneliness, depression, loyalty and the birth of his son to name but a few of the …
Avenue A / Thirty Tigers **** The return of a legend What would you think if someone suggested you make an album despite it being 39 years since you last made one? You’d probably think they were having a laugh or being exceptionally kind to a man feeling under the weather. I’ve no idea …
