Folk Words – 23rd May 2011

Liam Blake writes memorable songs that effortlessly blend folk, pop and acoustic to fashion alluring tunes around thoughtful lyrics. On his debut album, ‘You and Other Stories’, there’s more then a nod in the direction of early 70’s Americana folk but with a contemporary edge. The one man singer songwriter who writes personal songs that reflect individual emotions, reactions and feelings often walks a fine like between self serving and audience engaging – and Liam walks it well.

There are songs that recall the Woodstock generation – from the amiable drifting of ‘Feather’ with it’s piercing message to the sad gentle airiness of ‘Coming Or Going’: then comes the Beatle-esque meandering of ‘Rush’ and the homage to CSNY engendered by ‘Tell Me Beth, Do You Recall’. The new-old West Coast feel continues with ‘Simon’ with it’s sweeping guitar riff, punchy percussion and persuasive hook.

Throughout the intense ‘Gypsy Fireflies’ Liam’s guitar, vocals and phrasing constantly evoke Paul Simon’s early 60’s style – and that’s no criticism. Of all the songs ‘Sinner’s and Saint’s’ is the most gentle and reflective – a perfect coda to the album.

‘You And Other Stories’ is a fine debut album – you will enjoy these self penned, Liam’s melodic guitar and breathy, velvet soft vocals.