EP review: James M Carson – Sold As Scene

EP REVIEW

Artist: James M Carson

EP: Sold As Scene

Reviewer: Stuart Todd

Manchester singer songwriter James M Carson, a regular performer on the local music scene, releases his long-awaited debut EP ‘Sold As Scene’ through Book Club Recordings.

Carson’s hybrid of Folk/Rock Americana is inspired by the Laurel Canyon singer songwriter movement of the early seventies. Indeed his look resembles a young Jackson Browne. His voice and overall sound is influenced by Elliot Smith. However, it would be a mistake to label Carson as an imitator as he has his own distinctive voice as proven on this six track release.

‘Visitor 23’ crashes in with insistent drums and tasteful ringing acoustic guitars. It makes for a powerful opening track and the excellent production helps to make it a standout. The country flavoured ‘Nothing Is Lost’ is also impressive, as is the reflective ‘Money (We Don’t Need)’. The brooding yet atmospheric ‘Once A Mighty Oak’, with its distinctive lead guitar motif, nearly brings proceedings to a close. As an added incentive, there’s an exclusive bonus track called ‘Curtain Call’.

Overall this a strong confident debut by a major talent. Co-producer and engineer Joe Rhead brings out the best in Carson’s music. ‘Sold As Scene’ should help introduce and establish James M Carson as a major force on the British singer songwriter scene.

Sold As Scene is available to download from jamesmcarson.bandcamp.com

© 2014 Stuart Todd – Liverpool Acoustic

James M Carson

website – jamesmcarson.bandcamp.com

facebook – facebook.com/jamesmcarsonmusic

twitter – @jamesmcarson

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EP review: James M Carson – Sold As Scene