Joe Volk - Derwent Waters Saint Album Review

Joe Volk
Derwent Waters Saint
Album Review

There is no doubt that the late, great Nick Drake has paved the way for great singer/songwriters and encouraged many to pick up the guitar and put pen to paper. Where some fail to remain realistic (Mr. You're Beautiful) some pass with flying colours and produce music that Mr Drake himself would be proud of. The latest artist to follow in nick's footsteps is Joe Volk, an almost unknown artist from Bristol who fronts a heavy metal band called Gonga. Debut album Derwent Waters Saint is a beautiful, melodic masterpiece. Produced by Adrian Utley of Portishead fame, this album could easily give Damien Rice some competition. Similar in sound to Rice's O, this album somewhat offers a sense of innocence. Opening track You, Running could easily be mistaken for Damien Rice, as the sound is frighteningly similar, yet still distinctive enough to know its not. An angelic sounding heavy metal singer, almost an oxymoron in itself, this album is a must for all Nick Drake fans and for Damien Rice and Jose Gonzalez fans as there is a slight overlap between the two artists. Tracks Watching the Crest and Whole Pig, no Head seem to be more sombre than other tracks on the album, but still make good tunes. Last track The Weir is not exactly happy go lucky pop, but is one of the more upbeat and probably one of the best on the album. I predict big things for this young lad in 2006, and would not be surprised if Derwent Waters Saint receives the credit and recognition that Rice received in 2004/05 for O. A definite music purchase for all fans concerned.

8 out of 10

joanne nugent