Reviewed by Andy Shaw

Based in Perthshire, Scotland, Lins Honeyman has many strings to his bow as a singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, radio DJ with shows on a number of stations and music journalist providing articles and reviews for Cross Rhythms. Similarly, his music has never stuck to one formula or genre with influences including blues, gospel, folk and EDM all featuring. Following on from "Ready For The Summer", this single is the second to be released from the 'Songs From The Back Of My Head' album in collaboration with electronic producer Gary Robertson. There are three versions of the lead single track as part of this release with a Gary Robertson re-mix and an acoustic version joining the album version of "Storm From The Back Of My Head". The production and instrumentation on the album version show Gary Robertson's skill at creating an atmospheric soundscape which complements Lins' mellow blues vocal without overpowering it. The beat leads the way with a slow break in the opening verse before the kick drum picks it up in the chorus. Synths are used sparingly to add texture to the sound with strings giving depth and the dance influence coming in with the pitch bend interlude as the chorus transitions back to the verse. The final verse strips it right back with the vocal laid bare and only a very soft synth bed for accompaniment. The track closes with a nod to the blues influence featuring a guitar solo from Simon Kennedy of Scottish blues outfit The Simon Kennedy Band. The re-mix isn't a dramatic change with the vocal still taking centre stage but experiments with more elements brought into the mix including a pulsing beat and distorted synths giving a darker, broodier feel to the track. The acoustic version brings out Lins' roots/folk sensibilities, showing off his guitar skills through a variety of strumming patterns, rhythms and styles that bring incredible depth for a track that is just vocal and guitar (with a little bit of accordion thrown in). This release is completed by a b-side track "I'll Find My Way" although I'm not sure this adds anything to the mix. As a single I think the strength of the vocal and the atmosphere created by the production stand out and all three versions of the track bring a different dimension with the vocal providing that common thread.

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.

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