Addison's Uncle
Album: I'd Like To Tell A Story
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 11 + DVD
Website: http://www.addisonsuncle.co.uk

I'm a sucker for a strange name, so when the possibility of reviewing the new release by a band called "Addsion's Uncle" came I jumped at the chance.

Hailing from Norfolk, Addison's Uncle describe themselves as a 'stampy' English Folk band, with singer -songwriter Philip Pearson, telling honest, personal stories of family, friends, childhood, home and his native Norfolk coastline.

Opening the album "Shooting Star" reveals songwriting of a high standard, good melody and strumming guitars.

"Beeston Hill" and "Shoot The Bear" continue, although personally the vocals are too low in the mix and it's difficult to make out all the words even after repeated listings. It's a great shame as the lyrics you can make out promise much.

Gypsy is a cracking reel written about a cat that adopted the family, (as all cats do) , it showcases Georgia Shackleton's fiddle and you find your toes tapping away in short time.

"B1159" is a road trip of a different kind through the sleepy backwater coast road between Cromer and Caister-On-Sea, the sing along chorus catches you easily as does the journey from Nottingham through Grantham and home. "Gonna drive this old Sierra down the B1159 / Sure there may be faster routes that could take half the time / The kids have almost gone insane the wife and I don't mind / Gonna drive this old Sierra down the B1159"

"Pantomine" and "Norman Wood" are also well crafted songs, the latter about a boss Pearson didn't see eye to eye with.

And whilst the music is hardly breaking new grounds it's enjoyable and watching the accompanying DVD you see the band in their element cutting loose and entertaining the audience at the Kings Lynn Festival Too.

It's certainly is an album that has impressed me.

Ian Cripps