Ned Roberts
Album: Ned Roberts
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 12
Website: http://ned-roberts.com/

Ned might be described as an archetypal guitar-toting troubadour singer-songwriter - no slight intended in any way - who learnt his trade on the streets of York then moved down to London, where he's now based. Latterly he's been touring in support of Anaïs Mitchell.

His songs are simple, if dreamy laments for our times or mildly elusive romantic ruminations, gently and wistfully delivered to a delicately fingerpicked guitar in a lilting and slightly cracked voice that, while not especially smooth-toned, is assured and possesses an attractively lived-in quality that communicates its thoughts with conviction. His guitar style can remind one of Nick Drake, especially on Red Sun, one of the strongest tracks which was previewed as a single a short while back. Some of the songs seem to knowingly reference other songwriters (Cohen, Dylan, et al.) or their songs (or traditional phrases), as on Open Sea, Old Coney Street or the affectionate Sketch.

Several of the tracks employ a modicum of helpful backing from friends Luther Russell (nylon & 12-string guitars, organ, piano), Noah Hoffeld (cello), Sarabeth Tucek (backing vocal) and Pial Hossain (tabla): backing that well reflects Neil's songwriting sensibilities. Maybe, as Neil says on I Remember You Said, the devil didn't visit his crossroads - but maybe he doesn't need to, for this album contains some unassumingly beguiling writing that, while not setting the world alight, nevertheless grows on the listener with time and exposure. It's not easy to pinpoint, but its understatement may well prove to be its strength.

David Kidman