Album Review - Luke Ritchie - 'The Water's Edge' - Out Now

Review by Steve Boniface

For his debut LP, singer-songwriter Luke Ritchie looks to blend acoustic folk tropes a varied group of disparate styles and genres to create something all his own. And it works.

'The Water's Edge', throughout its eleven tracks, has plenty to offer the listener at first glance - great instrumentation, distinct vocals delivering thoughtful lyrics. But to really appreciate this album you have to dig deeper. Listen more. Get to know it - it's well worth your time.

Opener, 'The Lighthouse' is a very strong curtain raiser and arguably the best song on offer here - the production is crystal clear for this sparse, low key gem, immediately elevated with the entrance of the bass part. There are lovely vocal harmonies to enjoy here too, setting the tone for the rest of the LP. By setting the bar so high with this first track, Ritchie runs the risk of disappointment later on. Ultimately though, what follows does plenty of justice to the fantastic start.

Other highlights include the more pure folk of 'Shanty', 'Lonely Second' & 'Butterfly'. Meanwhile 'Off Your Guard', with its smooth vocal and picked guitar is reminiscent of Jose Gonzales at his thoughtful best, and piano based waltz 'Words' is what the Aussies would call a 'beaut'.

Lack of variety is certainly not something you could accuse Ritchie of. There's even something of a folk-funk track in 'Cover It Up', with its syncopated bass and smooth rhythms. It's a cliche to say there's something for everyone here (and I doubt ardent fans of death metal would agree) but I'd be surprised if most people weren't able to pick out at least a couple of tracks to fall for.

By the close of the album any fears of peaking too soon with the stunning first track have been pushed away, and 45 minutes have flown past in a wave of quality tunes. If you're a fan of the recent glut of popular folk spreading across the airwaves, Luke Ritchie would be a fitting addition to your collection.

Homepage: http://www.lukeritchie.co.uk/

Review by Steve Boniface

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