Earlier this year I reviewed a series of singles and EPs by a young UK singer/songwriter called Lupen Crook. I’m still trying to work out the birth origin of Crook - I mean it’s not a simple name like John Smith is it? Well, believe me when I tell you that similar to the highly and cleverly promoted JS beer, Crook offers at least the same level of refreshment. You see, this young guy has an individual, unique and exciting musical style, and this album proves it beyond any doubt…

6=8…The Remainder Of A Formula Self opens the record and leaves you in no doubt that Crook possesses a unique and very effective musical style. It has a whispered intro with an instrumental passage so subtle you’ll hardly notice it’s there. In about thirty seconds the song explodes into an angry rant, and then ends - dramatically and suddenly. In fact it’s the intro to the record with lyrics that give the game away: “Okay with you if I tag along, shadow boxing singalong, I got plenty of songs in my suitcase, stories I’ll bring along…” Here 2 B Friends follows with a gentle acoustic, very folk, opening that eventually moves onto stonier ground helped by a host of rampant stringed instruments, ranging from violin, cello and guitar. Sexual frustration is at the heart of this song: “Where’s my fucking keys, I haven’t had sex in years…” It’s a wickedly good song and exhibits Crook’s ear for a strong melody as well as very powerful and direct lyrics. Love 80 has the makings of an extraordinary pop single with its tempestuous vibe, attention-grabbing choruses and striking melody. The fierce, jagged vibe of The Great Fear then takes over with Crook’s voice doing cartwheels (yes, his voice is pretty unique as well…) and supported by some sinister sounding backing vocals. The Dead Relative sustains the extraordinary and diverse nature of this album with flashes of brass appearing from nowhere, and backing vocals that sound more like the audience yells one hears on TV quiz shows. Wendy’s House possesses a jazzy vibe but then a rocky guitar riff dives in – it shouldn’t work but it fuckin’ well does…

If you’re into singer/songwriters and possess an adventurous streak, Lupen Crook is your man, and you will love this album to death. Imagine a cabaret show with a lone seated guy acting out intimate and observational stories, supported by music that reflects the tone and mood of what’s being related. That’s Lupen Crook and I can’t wait to see the guy perform on the strength of this quite extraordinary, unique and brilliant album.

4.5/5