Ric Birtill
Album: The Preston EP
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 5
Website: http://www.ricbirtill.com

Punk and folk have always made comfortable bed fellows, particularly when it comes to both the more political side of the genres as well as the sections that can reflect the monotony that has been on the working class since time immemorial. (I'm guessing it's not something that's going to improve with the current government policy of indenturing.) Needless to say it's a musical arrangement that Ric Birtill slots right into.

I've been to Preston and there are some nice bits, but the title of the EP and the delivery does generate the impression of a gritty northern town with a chip on its shoulder and a screw you right back attitude and whilst I'd never come across Ric before getting this release, I'm not surprised to discover he earnt most of his reputation on the live circuit.

The five songs on the ep are rich in scalpel sharp observation, tempered with a reasonable amount of self-depreciating humour. Whilst the supporting instrumentation can best be described as sparse, often just a guitar, it also manages to incorporate hints of psyche into an eclectic mix.

The vocals have a punk rough and readiness about them, but that matters not as the songs are written in a way that this is actually a bonus, Birtill is an artist that really does write to his strengths and the results are fascinating.

"The Preston EP" is a release that often teeters on the edge, but never goes so far left field it's off the pitch. It won't be to everyone's taste, but it does make me think that Birtill is an artist that I want to see and hear more off and that this is an excellent starting position.

Neil King