Rob St. John - Weald - CD (2011)

Labels: Song, By Toad Records
Review by: Oli Saunders

Rob St. John plays a nice variety of folk music on this debut LP. An electric guitar sets the pace in the background and I find it very interesting – it has an unusual feel for this type of music but manages to work exceptionally well with the vocals. Songs roll along with other instruments and singers joining in on occasion. Top marks on originality to be honest – it’s sort of like a less angsty Bright Eyes at times and I can hear some Bert Jansch influences too, but its definitely got uniqueness. Song 3 ‘Vanishing Points’ is fascinating, with the faint hint of instruments in the background as Rob’s voice pours out. The fourth song continues in much the same fashion. I can imagine late night drives with this on in the background. Whether it will stand up to repeated listens I’m not so sure but I’ll be giving it a try.

19th April 2012