Friday 20 February 2009

Tom Williams & The Boat – Doing My Best E.P.

Tom Williams deserves more attention. He’s released 3 E.P's since late 2007, that’s already over 20 songs for everyone right? On top of this his promotion company have had the foresight and knowledge to send his newest E.P. to our little old student radio station which is usually only reserved for bigger record companies and local artists. The CD comes with free Polaroid’s which can’t be the most cost conscious but is always a nice touch. Also there is the typical ‘bands supported list’ which seems back to front; best leave The Wombats to the end…in a really small size, or better still, in the wingding’s font.

The E.P. itself is a progression from last year’s 8 track ‘Got Fuel’, with a bigger band sound and tracks which explore a wide range of emotions. From the upbeat, autobiographical ‘24’ to the more sorrowful ‘Voicemail’ the songs fit together perfectly. A constant theme throughout the E.P. is that of growing up and not being ‘cool’ a common subject matter but something easy to relate to. Title track ‘Doing My Best’ is catchy but tracks 1 and 2 show the band at their best. ‘24’ and ‘Concentrate’ highlight the strength of Tom Williams’ song writing and cement his place as one of the U.K’s most promising singer-songwriters and the added dimension of a band only strengthens this.

On this evidence, given the recent resurgence in the popularity of British anti-folk it won’t be long before Tom Williams and the Boat gain wider recognition, on a par with those they’ve supported.

Review by Christian Allen

No comments:

Post a Comment