London-based Alan Pownall might have an acoustic guitar and count Noah And The Whale among his friends, but he’s not the troubadour some might paint him as. Gentle summer pop, not folk, is the touchstone on his debut album.
More Jack Johnson than John Martyn, ‘True Love Stories’ is likely to be the soundtrack to many a bland barbecue thanks to its laid-back, off-beat strumming and the hint of soul in the Americanised vocals. But just when you think you have him figured out, Pownall still manages to pull out some beautifully warm melodies to catch you off-guard.
5/10
Words by Steve Harris
