This, the eighth long-player from the Mercury-nominated folk singer, treads a similar path to the excellent and justly-acclaimed Kitty Jay.
Since his 2004 debut, the Devonshire songwriter hasn’t strayed too far from the blueprint (2008’s Poor Man’s Heaven, aside) – Lakeman’s perceptive lyricism and virtuoso musicianship making for another highly enjoyable listen.
On this outing he enlists the vocals services of female vocal trio Wildwood Kin, who add body to the bare bones of the tunes. Folk-tinged, Lakeman’s nous for crafting his material means the likes of Willow Tree, Stranger and Innocent Child truly soar.
(This review originally appeared in the Buchan Observer)