Will Varley
Album: As The Crow Flies
Label: The Smugglers
Tracks: 11
Website: http://www.willvarley.com

When it comes to British Contemporary Musicians, I am very sceptical of what sort of artists come under this genre. As there as so many artists now, like I discussed in previous reviews that are classed as folk or country singers and they are not. Just because you can play guitar and add auto tune to your voice doesn't mean you are a British Contemporary Musicians. However Will Varley is deserved to be in that musical category.

26 year old Will Varley has created a second album, As the Crow Flies more specifically. The album shows off his talents as a lyricist. Being not only a singer but a film maker, novelist and a poet. He uses what skills he has as a writer to create some rather witty tracks. In particular the self checkout shuffle, Varley discusses the typical routine of student. Having very little money to spend on food or wine because they have spent it on the bookies. It was the epitome of what a student has to go through every day, being young himself Varley most likely draws from past experiences.

I enjoyed the use of cultural references in that song as well as the track I've got an email. This I think has to be one of my favourite songs; it's very up to date with the current political situation and uses some humour too. Talking about how people are so drawn in to spam emails but dependant on how desperate you are to gain employment you'll believe and do anything. I think it is because of this that it is my favourite song. I mean this as a compliment when I say that Varley reminds me of a young Bill Bailey, using music and witty lyrics to humour and entertain the audience.

For those of you are fans of Mumford and Sons, then I think you will like Will Varley. Again, similar to Gerry Griffin he just uses a guitar and his voice and it somehow creates this massive dynamic within this genre of music. It is so simple yet effective; I could sit and listen to Varley's album As The Crow Flies, it is just a pity he isn't touring across the North East of England. I reckon he would have a strong fan base.

Gemma Hirst