The UK seems at last to be recognising the value of singer/songwriters to its musical culture. They have struggled for years to be recognised and rewarded, and while the best quality artists do not get the level of recognition of lesser ones such as James Morrison or Paulo Nutini, underground support is building, and radio is taking notice. It must have been about five years ago when I saw Stephen Fretwell perform and it’s to his credit that he has persevered and grown.

I saw Fretwell perform quite recently in Liverpool to a sell-out audience, and included many of these songs in his set. Opener ‘Coney’ is an bass-thumping singalong with a light humorous touch, followed immediately by the more thoughtful and darker ‘Darlin’ Don’t’, with its scraping guitar strings and strong folk ambience. ‘She’ has a Beatles ‘I Am A Walrus’ instrumental flavour and echoed vocal that is hugely effective. There’s also a fine melody, good lyrics and wistful backing vocals. ‘Funny Hat’ is a compelling narrative about a girlfriend, while ‘Scar’ sees that thumping bass return accompanied by sharper percussive notes in another lighter song. ‘The Scheme’ is another highlight with its ghostly ambience, glacial pace and smattering of piano notes. ‘Now’ is one of my album favourites with its lovely marriage of guitar, drums and piano, and a pleading vocal that compels one to listen. Other favourites are ‘Sleep’ with its distant, dark ambience, and the stripped down folk of ‘The Ground Beneath Your Feet.’ The album concludes with concert favourite ‘William Shatner’s Dog’ with its simple blues vibe and expressive vocal performance.

I understand that Fretwell has spent some time in the States, and it shows in this diverse collection of songs. If you’re serious fan of contemporary folk then you’ll love this album.

4/5