Robbie Boyd – ‘So Called Man’ (Out 26.05.2014 via Tawny Owl Records)

Having already displayed a way with word, harmony and some lovely acoustic guitar touches in his previous EPs, the debut album from Robbie Boyd is on its way – along with all the charm you would imagine.

The new single from the album, ‘Less Than Friends’, sums things up nicely. Spritely, with a four on the floor kick beat that picks up after the busy acoustic strumming of the opening, Boyd’s pure voice really shines through. Unpretentious, simple and melodic, it’s the most distinctive aspect to a sound that has plenty to recommend it.

Previous single/EP title track ‘Under My Skin’ shows the other side of Boyd – more delicate in the verses with more acoustic picking before the big chorus which comes complete with a simple but catchy riff on electric guitar.

The full album is full of flowing pop-folk, ranging from the upbeat likes of ‘I Won’t Let You Go’ to the more contemplative ‘Amsterdam’, which has an excellent sax part to recommend it too. This album makes good song writing sound deceptively easy, when it most certainly isn’t. 7.7/10
Dennis Hugh

‘Under My Skin’