Ashton Lane - Watch The World

Published Friday 7th February 2020
Ashton Lane - Watch The World
Ashton Lane - Watch The World

STYLE: Country
RATING 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 176799-28687
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album

Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Scottish modern country husband and wife duo Tim and Esther O'Connor - better known as Ashton Lane - know how to find a formula and stick with it as the pair's latest album testifies. Produced by Esther's dad Graeme Duffin at the Wet Wet Wet guitarist's Foundry Music Lab in Motherwell, this latest offering from the O'Connors contains the tried and tested default FML sound that has adorned the group's previous albums as well as releases by numerous acts over the years including Yvonne Lyon, Rob Halligan, Michael McMillan and worship collective Satellite. As a result, light country, 6/8 time signatures and gentle Americana sounds abound here in accessible and undemanding fashion and this suits the wistful Suzanne Vega-like tones of lead singer Esther down to the ground with mid-tempo relationship songs like "Craving You" and "Us" shaping the feel of an album which blends melancholy and cautious optimism to good effect. Providing harmonies for his wife on most songs, Tim takes the lead vocal reins on the considered "Skies On Fire" whilst the sombre "A Cure" tackles the impending environmental fate of the world with precision to highlight Esther's songwriting chops - alongside co-writers Michael Kaiser, brother Jamie Duffin and the aforementioned Graeme.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.

Be the first to comment on this article

We welcome your opinions but libellous and abusive comments are not allowed.












We are committed to protecting your privacy. By clicking 'Send comment' you consent to Cross Rhythms storing and processing your personal data. For more information about how we care for your data please see our privacy policy.