David Cowling

Quiet Loner “The Battle for the Ballot” (Independent, 2017)

July 28, 2017 David Cowling 0

I should have reviewed this record during the General Election campaign and it would have provided the perfect backdrop and context. It is an inspiring record, the result of Matt Hill’s stint as songwriter in residence […]

Jon and Roy “The Road Ahead Is Golden” (Blue Heron Music, 2017)

July 27, 2017 David Cowling 0

Jon and Roy is perhaps the most understated name for a duo or a band: it suggests modesty and a certain lack of pretension. And that’s exactly what they deliver, simple songs performed simply with a […]

The Mountain Goats “Goths” (Merge, 2017)

July 26, 2017 David Cowling 0

Whatever concept inspires John Darnielle is almost incidental to the progress that he has made as a writer and performer. The last record was predicated on the sad tawdry circus of wrestling and this one on […]

Cheshire Carr “Odds And Ends” (Independent, 2017)

May 15, 2017 David Cowling 0

CC are a Montreal-based folk collective, with the collective aspect shown by the many different voices and the mix of styles and textures. The album has a kind of collective identity but also a compilation feel. At its best, […]

Stewart Legere “Quiet The Station” (Independent, 2017)

May 10, 2017 David Cowling 0

Legere is a craftsman, one who understands the mechanics of songwriting and is able to create densely layered free flowing songs that flirt with many genres without really committing to any. There’s much to admire and […]