Graham Dawson
Album: One Way Ticket
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 4
Website: https://www.facebook.com/graham.dawson.180

Two years since his first album, Staffordshire based singer songwriter Graham Dawson is back with his new EP "One Way Ticket". He enlists support from local musicians including Leek based guitarist Steve Giddings, Matt Plant and Tom Carter, the latter perhaps more widely known in his role as drummer for the folk with attitude band Headsticks.

As might be expected this results in a sound with a harder edge than that encountered on last time outs "These Things Are Ours". Dawson on this release moves smoothly into the territory associated with acts such as the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt. The fact he does this with ease and style speaks volumes for his writing.

Indeed the tracks on the EP have a habit of sneakily seeping into your subconscious and leaving you feeling like you've known them for a lifetime.

"Living A Lie", the opening song, examines a hidden affair through the eyes of two lovers who snatch moments as often as they can and the consequences on those around them. Words spoken, excuses made, living a lie "we don't care who we hurt or why", selfishness becomes the norm as the telecaster drives the song along.

A chance of tempo as the title track places us on board the "Titanic". A laid back, almost Hawaiian, feel, lashes of lush steel guitar, promises of new hopes and dreams "a chance of a lifetime cruise, one way ticket nothing to lose". A bright new start that ultimately wasn't to be!

"Something In The Way", soulful vocals and the realisation that the relationship is ending, that painful acceptance of a the romance that is over, an exercise in going through the motions, it's reminiscent of the output of "Supertramp" in the Seventies.

But for me the highlight is "Life Marches On", the final track. A song that speaks of the loss of a loved one, and how what we call a home can become a prison through walls that are built by those who seek to divide our nation. Walls we cannot break down with goodness. It's a poignant thoughtful closure to an excellent EP.

Ian Cripps