Robb Johnson & The Irregulars
Album: Here Goes Nothing
Label: Irregular
Tracks: 8
Website: http://www.robbjohnson.co.uk/

Robb Johnson & The Irregulars, 'Here Goes Nothing....' eight wonderful spillages of musical delight to take us on an emotional journey with numerous aspects of life dealt with the utmost honesty and integrity.....but what do you expect, for this is Robb Johnson! There is one major disappointment though.....the album comes to an end! It finishes and you still crave more.....fair enough, easily resolved by pressing that repeat button, again, and again.....or you could simply delve into Robb's more than hefty, back catalogue.....should you wish to obtain the collection, well, ensure you have sufficient shelf space....there's apparently another thirty albums....that's impressive!

So, The Irregulars.....well, those employed on this sortie are John Forrester (bass and backing vocals), Arvin Johnson (drums), Linze Maesterosa (saxophone and backing vocals), and Roger Stevens (keyboards)....all contribute to great effect leaving Robb himself to take on all songwriting duties, as well as vocals and guitars....there's even room for a spot of guest violin from compatriot Attila The Stockbroker on 'Big Man '.

Though each and every track deserves credit, and plenty of it, there are two songs that stand out for me.....'Autumn Song' is just an absolute gem of a protagonist anthem, a great hook and chorus emphasising the oh, so true sentiment of the song and its observations, and in the cover notes dedicated to 'leaders, liars, hypocrites and demagogues preaching austerity everywhere!'.....this is a song that could easily be adopted and in time who knows become one of those 'standards' played in folk and acoustic clubs the length and breadth of the country....a definite classic in the making this and well worth the purchase price of the album alone!

'The Ghost Dance' begins gently, creating a false sense of security, before thrusting into folk rock at its most driven best....great lyrics again and an absolute cacophony of roots rock brilliance, and furthermore, in those sleeve notes, it's dedicated to you and me!

There's a very raw feel to this album, though it's polished in its own right, it has those elements of undressed faithfulness, virtue, self respect, and scrupulousness exuding throughout....and combined with crafted musicianship, and unrestrained writing as ever, Robb Johnson has succeeded in bringing to the fore another collation of pertinent musical musings to be proud of.

James Cosgrove