Alister Atkin And The Ghost Line Carnival
Album: To Evangeline
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 12
Website: http://www.alisteratkin.com

Unusually, before hearing "To Evangeline", I knew Alister Atkin best as a luthier, primarily because both Richard Hawley and Edie Reader have played his instruments, somehow I managed to completely miss his debut album, "In Time", even though it was shortlisted as debut album of the year 2012 by Spiral Earth, an error I've now corrected.

Though Atkin himself is originally from Canterbury, I wasn't surprised to discover to discover that his wife hails from Nova Scotia as there are a number of influences from that region that can clearly be heard on the album, not only in the ballads, but also in the more maritime influenced songs, with the possible exception of "Shipping News", another song that draws on the strange fascination with the shipping forecast, though Atkin's version is far more uptempo than most on that subject.

"To Evangeline" was recorded almost guerrilla style, with the eleven tracks being laid down in a three day blitz. Whilst that does mean some of the songs are a little rough around the edges, it also means that they are full of life and have a wonderful, 'try this on for size' feel. Sure that might mean that some songs are a little on the baggy size and others a size too small, but sometimes a size too small is far more revealing.

"To Evangeline" brings together some of my favourite touches, there is that English whimsy, but there's also that Canadian straight talking and some great songs with strong narratives. If that ain't enough for you, there's also some top playing for which a decent nod goes to The Ghost Line Carnival, all in all an album that strong consideration should be given to and then go and have a check on the debut, if you haven't done so already.

Neil King