David Roberts
Album: Saint Clears
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 10
Website: http://www.davidroberts-stclears.com

An artist who has recorded a number of albums over the past decade but finally releases one which he feels he wants people to hear. So reads the intriguing premise to 'St Clears' by David Roberts. Particularly the case considering the ten songs were written in the space of a few months yet with a clear vision of what he was aiming to achieve.

Lasting just over half an hour, 'St Clears' doesn't provide a listening challenge, each piece coming across as with a relaxed vibe, very much showcasing the self taught guitar style which takes its influences form the likes of John Martyn, Jeff Buckley and Nick Drake. However, don't get the impression that this is a guitar album although Roberts does the spartan and sparse in the likes of the title track - one of the longer pieces in which he gets to deliver a laid back and tranquil piece and also to showcase the double bass work of Seth Bennett from Mary Hampton's band.

Beyond that, there are some significant elaborate string arrangements played out by Julia Graham on cello and Vaughan Jones' violin and viola. Their contribution to four of the tracks gives some variety to the overall feel of the album and an added richness and depth to the sound.

'Indian Blues' has that vaguely Eastern feel with the string parts adding a drone to the hypnotic percussion and roll and tumble of guitar notes. It almost feels like Roberts is delivering an invocation in the lyric - on repeated listening, it's a track which begins to stand out. Another short but sweet little taster is the 'Instrumental' guitar doodle which despite its dip in and out of the sequencing, gives a flavour of Robert's stand alone guitar style. Maybe a little bolder and more confident move might have been to include any similar compositions in the track listing.

What has added to the overall effect of the album is the benefit from experimenting with reverb at the suggestion of producer/engineer Adam Huyton. The experience of bouncing sounds around a local church of which a few found their way into the songs, shows an artist comfortable with working with an innovative producer and taking his work and taking the chance to develop them beyond the original intention.

Mike Ainscoe