This is the third singer/songwriter reviewed in as many weeks whose styles verge on the comotose (in a nice way). Archer hails from Northern Ireland but this album is heavily influenced by an extended stay in the Black Forest (more the Forest than the Black).

Wandering acoustic guitar notes welcomes in ‘The Acrobat’, a sweet, gentle song about the antics of a bird. It has a decent melody and lyrics but for me it’s the sort of song that a travelling player would perform to primary school children (who would love it). ‘Songbird’ uses nature as a metaphor for human behaviour and it’s sung with the most fragile voice to add credibility. It’s got an even better melody and the guitar playing is a little more assertive. ‘Black Mountain Quarry’ exhibits a fraction more adventure with a tangible bass-line. By  ‘Hey Mia, Don’t Be Lonely’ I’m hoping that Archer will inject some passion and life into the album. But no. He falls down ‘Everest’ and then skates on thin ice with ‘Frozen Lake.’ It’s pleasant enough but I prefer the sound of the scraping guitar strings to Archer’s vocal. Then a glimmer of hope with ‘Streamer On A Kite’ when Archer seems to find his voice and the song stirs into life with a distinct and pleasant Western vibe. ‘To Mend And Move Along’ is sweet song that exudes innocence but Archer’s voice sounds stretched and strained. Shame. ‘The Nightwatchman’ finally concludes an album I find disappointing. Perhaps it’s the record’s production which fails to reveal all…

Archer and folk fans will probably love this album. But I’m eyeing my next album to review with relish. It’s Mastodon…

2.5/5