24-7

John Alexander

John Alexander chose to follow his love of music after finding a new sense of freedom on a trip to New Zealand in 2000. He got a folk duo off the ground and gigged his way around what felt like 'every barn and outhouse in the south island.' His debut appeared in 2004 and since then he's been busy finding himself an audience over here. Even though this feels more substantial 24-7 is a short affair with just four tracks.

The CD case is covered on sepia photography and the music within reveals plenty of sepia tones too. Even with a hometown of Glasgow somewhere along the line lots of haunting Americana has rubbed off on him. In fact it would be easy to slap a Townes Van Zant label on him but that would be telling only part of the story. To bring things up to date he could be sandwiched between Johnny Dowd And Damien Jurado.

The brooding opener 'When The Wind Blows' kicks things off in fine style with some strong prophetic imagery. The title track keeps the momentum going coming on like a lost 30's country blues. It's gently surging chorus settles nicely in the memory and it is a good indication of his strengths.

Lyrically you can hardly call these tracks optimistic but there's redemtion around the corner for those prepared to put in the required work on 'Don't Give It Up.' On the closer 'I Will Be' John sings with the same eloquence and respect for the working man as Springsteen can when he proclaims about the north's shipbuilders, 'Part of us you'll find from the Clyde to the Tyne, silver river roaming free.'

John Alexander has coupled an articulate guitar style and a melodiously seasoned voice on this release and it's well worth your attention.

David Kushar