THIS IS one you will love or hate: an English take on classic country, with some indie production values thrown in.
Jof Owen wears his influences proudly, but first impressions may be negative. The jaunty, cheap-sounding horns on the opening It’s A Start hardly scream memorable, but give it time.
There are some affecting moments, especially Different Planets and Long Way Back From A Dream, which tap into the unhappiness that fuels the best country music. This last number is the most distinctive and British; a tale of Richie Burnett, 1990s' world champion darts player, as he heads to defend his title on New Year's Eve and ultimately to an unhappy ending.
Jof Owen grew up in Wendover, a small market town in the Chiltern Hills, and his understated and reflective lyrics are the best thing here.
The single Talk About Country is twangy pastiche, and presumably fun live but soon palls. Like the rest of the record, it has its moments but falls somewhere in the mid-Atlantic.
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