One of the biggest
growth areas in the post-millennial music scene has been in the
folk-rock genre. So many musicians from these shores have taken the
lead from their stateside alt-country counterparts, increasingly
influenced by the earthier side of their homeland’s recent musical
history, culminating in a journey to a more back to basics sound
initially pioneered by the likes of Nick Drake. Trouble is, these
days you’ve really got to be on the money to stand out from the
crowd, as to the uninitiated, you can’t see the wood for the
trees….or the acoustic guitars…..or the beards.
Fortunately
in the case of the clean shaven Rupert Stroud, the man has a distinct
edge over most, his innate ability to craft a folk-tinged hook-laden
melody standing him in good stead so far. However, don’t simply
take my word for it, check out recent playlists on 6music (Tom
Robinson) and Radio 2 (Bob Harris, Dermot O’Leary) both stations
giving welcome exposure to the expansive rootsy shuffle of ‘Morning
Light’, a catchy, uplifting opener on Stroud’s fine new 4-track
EP featuring songs co-written by the singer and Will Jackson,
producer and one of 3 backing musicians. Next up is the equally
ebullient ‘Way Back Down’ as Rupert starts to really enjoy
himself on this foot stomper before coming crashing back to earth
with the heart rending ‘Over’, an emotive stripped back lament to
lost love played out with a not inconsiderable amount of conviction.
Rounding things off in style is the redemptive title track ‘Way
Back Home’ as welcome sprinklings of electronica dart in and out of
the shadows. Not bad at all.
Words - Mike Price