Cole Stacey & Joseph O'Keefe
Album: On Hire
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 10
Website: http://www.colestacey.net http://www.josephokeefe.co.uk

First of all an apology to Cole and Joseph, I accidently moved the album into the wrong pile which is why this review is undeservedly late.

Cole Stacey is an artist that I'm proud to say has seen Cole Stacey grow as both a writer and performer, developing more faith and confidence in his ability as he progressed so I was particularly interested in how he would take that self assurance into a joint project, alongside Joseph O'Keefe and I have to say very well, along with thanks for the recipe for coconut oil banana mousse with honey roasted almonds, contained on the inner sleeve of "On Hire", the duo's debut album.

Actually the recipe is a great, if slightly contrived metaphor for the album, having a sweet and distinct taste that both under pins and contrasts the bitterness to bring about a balance that still influences taste sensations long after the initial impact is digested.

Adding Joseph O'Keefe and a further range of instruments to the mix seems to have had a liberating experience, one that allows the songs to have a more relaxed feel to them. This is an album that seems to have been honed by a growing number of life experiences some those brought about by road trips and tours, others because non-conformists seem to have a knack of finding their way into spaces that can be missed in the more mainstream.

Even the title of the album "On Hire" can be taken different ways depending on how you interpret the words and songs contained within. If you haven't yet plumped for either Cole or Joseph separately, this is definitely a great place to start, if you have, it's time to expand the canon.

Neil King