Another fab review this time from Blues Matters magazine -
Scottish songwriter and guitarist John Alexander brings together the latest instalment of dustbowl blues with the release of his new album Face The Wind. This collection of life and weather-beaten tales follows on from his previous release Of These Lands. The album was produced by Boo Hewerdine who plays guitar, keyboards and bass, it was recorded and mixed at Saltwell studios by Chris Pepper who plays drums, guitar and keyboards, with Iona Macdonald supplying backing vocals and Neil Warden on lap steel guitar. This is a collection of eleven original songs that starts with the wonderful Bullets In The Rain, the gentle delicate finger picking acoustic guitar and haunting lap steel create an emotive backdrop for Alexander's soulful vocals, with tender harmonies from Iona. This flows into Living To Stay Alive, finer guitar picking and backings vocals with an Americana feel. White Noise, a solid rhythmic beat and Alexander's ragged vocals give this a heartland rock feel, I could imagine Hiatt/ Mellencamp doing this. There's a lift in tempo for Don't Start A War, the drums change to a marching beat as the song builds on a background of atmospheric guitar work, while Alexander paints a cinematic landscape with vocals and lyrics. The more wistful Long Way From Gone brings some more delicious harmonies over the acoustic guitar and keyboard rhythm. The album closes out with Iona again adding backing vocals on the pleasing country Americana of This Side Of The Glass, this gets better with each listen, excellent album.
SHIRL
