The East Pointers - Yours To Break (25/10/19)
Artist: The East Pointers
Release Date: 25th October 2019
Genre: Folk, Folk Rock
Record Label: East Pointers Music
Tracks: 10
Website:
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Luke Jackson - Journals (08/11/19)
Artist: Luke Jackson
Release Date: 8th November 2019
Genre: Americana, Folk, Singer-Songwriter, Folk-Rock, Soul
Record Label: First Take Records
Tracks: 12
Website: http://lukepauljackson.com/
Review By: Gary Smith (LCM)
Luke is the kind of vocalist and songwriter who always creates an instant first impression. The type of artist that stops you dead in your tracks, knowing that you are listening to something very special. His fifth studio album ‘Journals’ continues his rich and exciting musical journey. At only 25 years old Luke has matured into one of the UK’s finest young singer-songwriters.
Released through his own ‘First Take’ label, ‘Journals’ sees Luke write 11 of the album’s 12 tracks, with a spine-tingling cover of Sanny Denny’s classic ‘Who Knows Where Time Goes’ added for good measure. Luke is joined on the album by former college friend Andy Sharps on bass and Elliott Norris on drums, both adding their harmony vocals. Jarrod Pinner (Gentleman Of The Few) adds impressive piano and Keyboards, while Lizzie White adds her sensitive vocals.
We love Luke’s music which blends Americana, Blues, Rock, Folk, Soul and even some Jazz. Co-produced by Luke and Kent based Dan Lucas ‘Journals’ showcases some of Luke’s best work to date from reflective moving ballads to fuller rock and blues tracks.
The word ‘journal’ is defined as ‘a record of occurrences, experiences and reflections kept on a regular basis’ and this perfectly describes the inspirations of this album. Luke comments that ‘the album was about the car journeys, the people I meet and music I listen to on the road, the endless podcasts, conversations and snapshots of other lives, landscapes and cultures.’ The album also Include on-point songs themed about modern issues both social and political.
The excellent album opens with the sultry and rich bluesy bitter-sweet ‘Honeycomb’ with it’s driving rhythm, soaring vocals from Luke and on-point harmonies from Andy and Elliott. This is followed by the heartfelt love song ‘Home’, written from a hotel room longings for home life and family. A story of hardship and reflection from frequent life on the road. We love the wonderful guitar solo and the piano interplay. ‘Aimee’ was written by Luke while travelling on a Trans-Canadian train. It’s a simple song about two people who meet briefy then go their separate ways in the morning. Beautifully paced and measured.
Along ‘with the more personal songs there is the witty ‘Cherry Picker’ the story of a farmer trying to win of the girl of his dreams by courting her with his mobile crane. There is a great retro soulful groove here, growing with propulsive rhythms, hypnotic bass and keyboard lines. The pace slows for the beautiful ‘Red Oak’ based on a true story of war, love and loss. Another lovely and thoughtful track with an initial slow tempo building into a crescendo of electric guitar and keyboards. ‘Heavy’ seeing Luke reflecting on the silent crisis of male depression. Full of impact with a retro soulful groove. “No there really ain’t no shame in being a broken man”. Wise words in a time when many men have trouble in appearing vulnerable and emotionally troubled.
‘Baby Boomers’ was inspired by the birth of Andy’s daughter and reflects on how the world might change in her lifetime. Luke’s personal experiences and thoughts on growing to adulthood are also included. Luke said that he channeled his inner ‘Billy Bragg’ to write the song. ‘Eliza Holt’ is a rollicking and very sad folk song. Luke previously lived in a village that grew around a 18th century psychiatric hospital, which closed in the 1990’s. As a child he would play in the graveyard. He was struck by one gravestone which read “Here lays Eliza Holt’ with others name underneath showing more than one generation had been buried there. Luke says “that he discovered that young girls which became pregnant out of wedlock would quite likely be sent to a hospital like this. Where mother and baby would spend the rest of their lives there, ending up buried together.”
The gentle ‘A Queen In Her Own Way’ is a tribute to Luke’s Grandmother. Who lovingly helps three generations of her family. Wonderful acoustic guitar interwoven with piano and gentle vocals. The Sandy Denny classic ‘Who Knows Where The Time Goes’ has always been very special in the folk cannon. Luke’s thoughtful and reflective new cover version is perfectly judged, highlighting Sandy’s timeless lyrics. Luke comments “It’s a joy to play such a marvelous song by someone who was a national treasure.”
‘This Ain’t Love (But It’ll Do)’ is a tongue-in-cheek look at fake love inspired by TV shows like ‘Love Island’. A tale of transient love and infatuation. The album closes with ‘Every Flame’ a defiant song about carrying on even when things get tough. Pursuing his music journey until as Luke says “I’m going to ride it, until the wheels come off’. The song ends with a strong spiritual gospel-style outro.
Journals is a wonderful chronicle of Luke’s musical journey. Mature, deep, highly crafted and highly impressive. One of my favourite albums so far this year.
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Zervas And Pepper - Endless Road Restless Nomad (26/07/19)
Artist: Zervas & Pepper
Release Date: 26th July, 2019
Genre: Americana, Folk-Rock, Laurel Canyon
Record Label: Zerodeo Records
Tracks: 11
Website: https://zervasandpepper.com
Zervas and Pepper are songwriters that have been crafting songs and capturing imaginations with their previous critically acclaimed albums 'Lifebringer , 'Abstract Heart', Wilderland'. 2019 brings a fresh offering, an album that finds a band that have honed their sound on the road, songwriters that continue to mine the depths of their creative pairing.. Zervas and Pepper's sounds have made their way across the National airwaves of both UK and Europe. Appearing as guests and in-session for flagship National Radio BBC shows such as BBC 6music's Lauren Laverne, Radclife and Maconie, Tom Robinson and many more.
Singer Kathryn Pepper says' Endless Road, Restless Nomad was written whilst touring through Europe. A life spent passing through, .looking back, shared moments and endless roads. The album title taken from the two songs on the album that express exactly that, 'Endless Road' and 'Restless Nomad . 'There is Only Love' is a reaction to the intense period of negativity in the press and social media. Kathryn Pepper explains We wanted to bring the free-spirited feeling we get on the road into the music, touring puts us in a bubble, away from the 24 news landscape we live in back home Paul Zervas adds.. We were looking to capture a sense of late's 1960's hippie optimism, drawing from an era of music that offered hope in troubled times . Listen in for summer of love inspired 12 string electric guitars, harmony-drenched message of love. 'Gas Bottle Blue' finds the pair exploring opportunities missed, ..the roller coaster ride of chasing down your dreams while album opener 'The Gift' offers the gift of courage and the new hope.. The gift you gave to me from the seventh son, ..reckless abandon.. child on the run .
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Morganway - Morganway (02/08/19)
Artist: Morganway
Release Date: 2nd August, 2019
Genre: Americana, Folk Rock
Record Company: Morganway / UE-Records
Tracks: 11
Website: www.morganway.co.uk
Morganway was founded in 2016 by twin brothers Callum (vocals/bass) and Kieran Morgan (lead guitar), and genre-defying keyboard player Matt Brocklehurst. Their numbers quickly grew as their sound developed, with singer SJ Mortimer, whose growling vocals were a perfect complement to the Morgan brothers gritty guitar work, and fiddle player Nicole J Terry joining the ranks. On the choice of adding another lead instrument to the band, Callum explained that, "both Kieran and Nicole have very individual playing styles, and that combination allows their instruments to play off one another in quite distinctive ways, sometimes harmonising or in total contrast." The last member to officially join was drummer Ed Bullinger, whose diverse playing adds an urgent, yet tactful texture to the fray.
Inspired by the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Fleetwood Mac and other classic guitar bands such as The Eagles, Morganway have quickly built a name for themselves on the UK live circuit. They have already received accolades from Radio 2's 'Whispering' Bob Harris, swathes of recognition from the country press, two nominations from the BCMA awards, support slots with The Shires and an Under The Apple Tree session. Peppered within their classic rock influences are aspects of country, Americana, pop and even bits of indie. Their ability to dance around genres yet keep a cohesive sound has been one of the principal reasons Morganway have such a captivating live show.
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JS Ondara - Tales Of America (15/02/19)
Artist: J.S. Ondara
Release date: 15th February, 2019
Genre: Folk, Folk Rock, Singer-Songwriter
Record Label: Verve Forecast
Tracks: 11
Website: https://www.jsondara.com
The great debut album from Kenyan born but now US based folk singer-songwriter JS Ondara
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This Time - Sound Of The Sirens (25/01/19)
Artist: Sound Of The Sirens
Release Date: 25th January, 2019
Genre: Folk, Folk Rock, Pop
Record Label: DMF Records
Tracks: 15
Website:
West Country folk-rock duo Sound Of The Sirens have announced their new album, This Time, out January 25th via DMF Records, as well as a 21-date UK tour starting in January.
This Time – the follow-up to their debut album, For All Our Sins, which was released in 2017 to widespread praise – continues to showcase an evident gift for crafting unique, vivid and enduring melodies over 15 heartfelt tracks.
“’This Time’ is a collection of moments, emotions, challenges and stories,” say the duo. “We've collected lyrics, melodies and ideas from the past couple of years for this project. We created this album last winter in an isolated barn in Wales with only guitars, a piano, wine and the dogs for company. The themes of time, love, loss, perseverance, hope and clarity are intertwined in these songs.”
Throughout the album, Sound Of The Sirens – duo Abbe Martin and Hannah Wood – blend intoxicating vocal harmonies with beautifully crafted instrumentals to create a seamless collection of captivating tracks. ‘Troubles’, the first track to be taken from the album, is a rousing and emotive ode to overcoming issues, amid inspiring lyricism and graceful cadences.