Nick Edward Harris
Album: Chimera
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 11
Website: http://www.nickedwardharris.com

There's much to commend the debut album from the former south London primary school teacher. Harris has a clear voice and clearly knows what he wants to say and how he wants to say it - there are five years worth of songwriting in here - but may need to think about how he stands apart from the crowd.

That's not to say he needs a gimmick - quality songs and fine musicianship never do - but an artist's quest for a voice of their own is a lifetime journey and Harris is not quite yet his own man. In his favour he has a marvellous technical mastery of his instrument that we must assume will develop into something quite special. For now though, there are time the speed and intricacy of some of his guitar figures get in the way of the songs.

Songs like The Flood and The Grey Squirrel amply showcase his skilful storytelling and their more uncluttered arrangements, with the restrained double bass drone of Mumford & Sons' Ted Dwane, should point the way forward.

Nick Churchill
www.thegranvillechambers.co.uk