Porchlight Smoker
Album: 2
Label: Dead Reckoning
Tracks: 14
Website: https://www.porchlightsmoker.com

Brighton based Porchlight Smoker have released their second album, '2'. Not being familiar with their debut, I cannot pass comment on whether this is in step with earlier output, what I can say is that is an eclectic bag of tunes which draws from influences such as folk, country and bluegrass.

The band comprises of Fred Gregory (vocals, guitar, mandolin), Scott Smith (vocals, lap-steel, clarinet, harmonica, guitar), Steve Bell (vocals, banjo, mandolin, guitar, harmonica) and Scott Warman (vocals, double-bass). I don't normally list this kind of info from a press release but I think it helps immensely in understanding what you are getting with Porchlight Smoker. Add to these further instruments and percussion and I think you get the picture - this is a multi-talented bunch of musicians!

The album gets off to a great start with the Fred Gregory penned, 'Old Bray Road'. Fred also plays with the excellent Hatful of Rain and on this album we get an alternate take of 'Welcome To The Family'. Gregory has four songs on this record and to these ears his tunes conjure up some of the outlaw spirit of Steve Earle. They are steeped in a classic imagery, which anyone with a passing interest in roots music will understand, appreciate and enjoy.

'Hey Maya' is a fine tune driven along by harmonica and mandolin, and the traditional 'Haul Away Joe' showcases the ease in which the band can move into more of a folk groove. Of the opening four tunes my favourite vocal comes on the cover of Paul Siebel's 'Louise'. Scott Smith's voice has the richness of a young Guy Clark.

This opening quartet shows off the best of Porchlight Smoker. That of course doesn't mean the rest of the record is not worth a listen, the aforementioned 'Welcome To The Family' is great and the bands take on Merle Haggard's, 'The Bottle Let Me Down' is loaded with pathos and does a great take on the evoking a live barroom - a homage to Gram's, 'Cash On The Barrelhead/Hickory Wind'? I'm not particularly drawn to the instrumental, 'Steve's Jacket' or 'Dig Down Deeper', they are just not my bag - that said I bet they are big crowd pleasers when played live.

So in summary, '2' by Porchlight Smoker has something for all roots fans. You may not like every song but the ones you are drawn to will be top quality tunes, played with style, by a band who obviously love what they do. For that reason I would recommend everyone dip into '2' and find your own particular favourite.

JC Verrall