Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Cheltenham-based singer/songwriter Ewan Jones' latest release covers a wide range of topics and emotions but the overriding theme is one of melancholic introspection. This is no bad thing in Jones' case as he is at his lyrical best when his glass is half empty - most notably in the poetic tales of unrequited love "Once" and "We Fell Apart On A Thursday". Elsewhere, Jones slightly over eggs the emotions in the acrimonious "It's All Right For You" with lines like "You think you're the chosen one/Sorry you're not Jesus Christ" before showing his songwriting prowess by turning the mood of the song on a sixpence from one of resentment to an admission of dependence. Although none of the nine songs are overtly Christian in context, the artist's faith is hinted at with the inclusion of the old spiritual "I'll Fly Away" at the end of "See My Arms" and the cautiously optimistic "Summer" leaves an aftertaste of hope at the end of an album full of bittersweet emotion. As with previous releases, there is still a homemade quality to the proceedings and producer Darren James has done a good job in enabling Jones to stride between musical styles whilst letting the man's lyrics take centre stage. An intriguing release from a songwriter to watch out for.

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