SOME critics have traced suggestions of Seventies musicians such as Nick Drake and John Martyn in this beguiling, often beautiful debut from the Scottish singer and song-writer.
Drake seems a misplaced comparison, but there are hints of the young John Martyn, always a recommendation, alongside a vocal similarity to the veteran Scottish folk singer, Bert Jansch, especially on the opening track, In Your Hands, a delicate, cheerful song. Those looking for comparison might also hunt up their old Lloyd Cole records.
At first listen, all the songs are fragile things, built from simple acoustic instruments and unadorned arrangements. Some are quietly upbeat, many more are quietly miserable. Yet there is great beauty in these songs, notably Moving Up Country, Roaring The Gospel, as well as St Patrick and Sweet Jesus. A touch more variety might have made a very good album into an instant classic, but this remains a timeless and haunting piece of work.
Updated: 11:41 Thursday, June 20, 2002
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