The Whispering Pines
Album: The Whispering Pines
Label: Stovepony
Tracks: 13
Website: http://theluckystrikesband.wordpress.com

Unexpected solo debut from Matthew Boulter, principal singer, songwriter and guitarist with Southend folk rock hellraisers The Lucky Strikes. Introspective, gentle, tinged with darkness and a sorrowful undertow, these are elegant songs delivered with restraint and oodles of world-weary charm.

Two Bullets manages to fold a murder ballad into a sweet drinking lament while retaining the sense of drama; Phantom Pain ups the tempo but strays slightly off the path before Blue returns Boulter's beautiful lap-steel playing to centre stage. The Gun is jaunty Americana-pop about an estuary bad lad with a rambling bassline and strident chords; while Waiting On You is a gorgeous love song with which to celebrate the less than obvious elements about those giddy feelings and comes encased in a rich, whispered vocal and understated playing.

The Whispering Pines is one of those records you'll always be glad you stumbled upon - do yourself a favour and put yourself in its line of fire.

Nick Churchill
www.thegranvillechambers.co.uk