'Dustbowl Blues with a Glasgow kick' was the title of John Alexander's show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and provides as good a summary of his musical style and influences as you're likely to get.
The Scottish songwriter and guitarist (electric and acoustic) follows an earthy Americana template and applies it to eleven original tunes on his second solo album.
The songs appear to be based on lonesome travels (real or imagined) along rocky roads or on high seas. The vocals are mellow and the lyrics reflect an introspective, and romantically inclined personality.
Inclement weather is a regular backdrop and the absence of sunshine reflects the chilly mood. Alexander sings of bitter winds which bite and a sky that constantly threatens rain.
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The location of the landscapes is never specific but the inhospitable climate makes me think that the "West Coast skies" of Hold On, one of the standout tracks, are more likely to be Scottish than American.
The songs are solid and easy on the ear but the somewhat detached perspective didn't really draw this listener into his world.
John Alexander's website
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