‘A.M. Radio’ album review

Her Make Believe band can quote some pretty heavy press about their debut release, especially from their sort-of home base of England.

Much is made of singer Cy Winstanley’s similarity to Paul Simon, and there are times when this is true-either in a beguiling and unaffected fashion (“Stay”), or in a perhaps more stylised, knowing way (Drummer Tom Greenhalgh’s Steve Gadd-esque intro to “Welcome Home”- 50 ways to drop a in a musical reference, perhaps?).

That’s a distraction, though, and doesn’t really help. The sound of this album is built around gentle dynamics, subtle arrangements, and the harmonised vocals of Winstanly and bass player Vanessa McGowan.

Acoustic bass, harmonica and accordion all help to evoke a country flavour, best evidenced on the title track. Elsewhere, though, are plenty of reminders that this is a band effort-the arrangement of “D.P.H” sets off a whimsical lyric and melody while “Ba Bah” goes through three different style changes without losing continuity at all- no mean feat.

Despite some up-tempo moments, this group are at their most effective in an intimate mode and are adept at providing sensitive and musically adept settings around some cleverly charming songs.

Review by Trevf