Ivor Game
Album: Freckles
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 9
Website: http://www.ivorgame.com

There is a train of thought that runs along the lines of, 'if people have poor attention spans, write short songs.' It's a philosophy that Ivor Game has long been a fan of and it's not something that's changed on his most recent offering, "Freckles".

I think in the years that I've been listening to his music, I can only think of two that have passed the three minute mark and for him that would normally be enough time to squeeze in two songs. The nine tracks on "Freckles" clock in at a mere thirteen minutes, but enough of the time, what about the content?

Well there's a real jauntiness to the delivery, a positive bounce even. Ivor is a definite believer of the less is more school of thought, it's just him, his guitar and a cupboard full of uplifting tunes. "Freckles" is an album of aural jottings and doodles and in a strange way it seems to let you into the songs in a way that more detail and structure sometimes doesn't. You know that whilst at times the songs feel a bit raw, you still know they are complete, they sound finished because they are.

Ivor Game, is a bit like that hit of caffeine, he picks you up and helps you face the day, which, let's face it, is an important role, but ultimately you know you're going to need something a little more substantial to make it all the way to the end.

Neil King