Play 90 second soundbite of '24' @ 'CD quality'
If 'charming' sounds a little twee I make no apologies cuz 'Doing My Best' is one of those quirky releases that doesn't quite know to which genre it belongs. They say 'anti-folk', they also say 'acoustic/folk/melodramatic' and suppose they should know! Whatever, Tom Williams And The Boat have assembled a wonderful EP here; starting with superb poetic lyrics that can sound as glib as they are observational, the band go on to lay down some storming music that slips in and out of folk whilst retaining a certain low-rock aggression and having masses of pop sensibility. The overall effect is indeed 'charming' but, more than that, it's catchy, hooky and compelling.
Williams seems to have great focus and he's assembled a marvellous bunch of like-minded musicians who he can trust to support him with true musical empathy, instrumental competence and total belief in the end 'product'. Together they've contrived to put together a crackin' little six track EP. 'Doing My Best' has an organic feel to it, it's earthy and honest and very very likeable. I can see why this lot have been likened to Dylan and Arcade Fire; their writing is mature but individualistic and their execution is modern and just slightly 'left of centre'! The result is something that gently tugs at you, slowly draws you in and, one they got you hooked it's hard to break free from their grip. The EP has been well but not overly-produced resulting in a very believable, almost live feel that's beautifully suited to the band's style - there's an inherent 'freedom' locked into the work that's nicely honest and quite inspired.
'Doing My Best' by Tom Williams And The Boat is a wonderfully enjoyably work; entertaining and tantalisingly hooky it's makes a very pleasant change from the mainstream contemporary ethos where everything seems to be over-done and showy. 'Doing My Best' by Tom Williams And The Boat is a sensitive and warmly enticing work that should do very well for this great outfit; radio-friendly and catchily compelling it should pull in many new friends and fans for the band - well done 'guys', you nailed it big-style!
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