Drew :
Songs From The Devil's Chimney
Source

Drew Kennet, straight out of the Isle Of Wight, and straight into the hearts of many an admirer of folksy, well-crafted songs, no doubt. For a debut this is pretty okay stuff, with strong harmonies, likeable melodies and emotionally believable lyrical content.

I get the distinct impression that Kennet, and songwriting partner, Paul Butler, spent more time on the two outstanding tracks, Nothing Left To Lose and Don't Be Denied, than the other nine put together. Which is more about saying how delightful they are than putting down the others as mere filler. These two gems share the same rich vocal quality and fluid arrangement as the much-undervalued Cosmic Rough Riders (circa Daniel Wylie). And that's an act hard to follow in this sphere.
    Nevermind, there are still a few surprises amongst the rest, including an infectious vocal refrain that wouldn't be out of place in an Oasis chorus in OK To Cry - the brothers Gallagher would undoubtedly deny the content - and shades of Neil Young in You Don't Know Me, and even an homage to The Byrds in Changing Face.

Songs From The Devil's Chimney manages to exude an air of warmth that is entirely welcome. The production and playing has the sort of low-key, lived-in quality that wholly befits this kind of music. Were it to have been the polished, over-produced affair that new artists are very often lured into, it would probably have lost all its charm and fallen flat on its face.

:: Tom Alford