Reviews

Colin Holt
Album: Bunker Tapes
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 23
Website: https://www.facebook.com/colinholtband

Colin Holt is a supremely gifted songwriter, driven by compassion and understanding, probably derived from his Yorkshire roots. He records both as the leader of his band and as a solo artist, and it is as the latter that this review will be based on. His latest solo album is titled "Bunker Tapes" named after his recording studio. Here, Colin delivers a beautiful set of thoughtful and emotional folk influenced songs, all brought together with the gentle voice and subtle guitar playing of a Northern Ralph McTell.

I should start by giving a health warning. Such is the depth of the emotions on some of the songs, you may require a box of tissues, I did. That is not a criticism, it is a genuine compliment to the skill of the songwriter that can deliver music with lyrics to both warm the soul and make the listener examine both attitudes and life. Colin can take the most basic of life's stories, and weave a story of pure wonder and heartfelt empathy. This is certainly the real power of music!

"Bunker tapes" contains twelve songs, all beautifully constructed and produced, mainly with a very limited musical accompaniment allowing the power of the lyrics to really strike home. We are taken along a magical journey of nostalgia, love, parenthood and even to thoughts on war. These are all brought to the studio with some stunning guitar work, subtle arrangements and Colin's soft touch on the vocals.

To cover all the topics on here and to make them come to life, the songwriter needs to be a genuine observer of life and Colin has this ability in bundles. A talent in writing lyrics though is not enough, an ability to put the words to music is also a requirement and Colin excels at this.

All of the songs on this exceptional album are quite superb, but a few stand out for me for varying reasons. "Mr Chappell's Garden" delivers genuine nostalgia and the scent of flowers, "We Come And Go" has a beautiful arrangement, "From Your Heart" is arguably my second favourite on the album and is a true love story with harmonies and solo acoustic guitar to wrap the listener in a covering of warm chocolate.

Emotions run riot in" Little Leather Purse" a song about memories of Colin's Mum, which anyone who has lost a loved one will associate with. One final song to mention here is the information laden "Space To Grow." This was written by Colin as part of a campaign to encourage fostering. My wife and I were foster parents to a number of children for many years and Colin has perfectly captured both the need for more foster parents and what it offers to both the child and the parent. This requirement has never been more urgent than it is now! You just need to "open up your heart."

It is now October and I can honestly say that this album, now available on Bandcamp, has made me think more about life and my own experiences than almost any other album has made me do this year. That must be the skill that defines a brilliant songwriter and a man who cares very deeply about life. If you care about life in all its forms, please give "Bunker Tapes" a listen. You will not be disappointed but don't forget to grab the box of tissues first.

Rory M Stanbridge

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