Paul Saint
John – Eleventeen (Lynnewood Records)
Born and raised in Scotland (he was a founding member
of the UK folk-rock group, The Cottonfield), though now based in Philadelphia,
PA, Paul Saint John has earned himself an enviable reputation as a vibrant live
performer, and plays frequently in and around his new hometown. Also, with an
award winning song and a new debut album under his belt, and festival and music
conference appearances already booked, 2013 promises to be an interesting year
for the singer-songwriter.
His sound remains rooted in folk-rock, and he
seamlessly mixes his UK and US influences, a list which includes Dylan, Waits,
Mumford and Sons and The Lumineers. He sings his songs with a distinct, full voice
that’s wholly his own, and when he applies it to the opening track “All the
Kings Horses”, it combines powerfully with a lyrically rich song, which doesn’t
skimp on hooks. No wonder he’s making inroads into radio.
Indeed, it’s an album with no shortage of pop
flourishes. “Raining Cats and Dogs” finds its
groove somewhere between Dylan and John Prine, and is propelled with a
forcefully strummed acoustic guitar and a bright harmonica adds detail. “Pillars of Hercules” shows a gentler side, and its
‘60s coffee-house ambience brings to mind Fred Neil and Buckley Sr. The album
ends with “I'm Dr Jekyll, Mr Hyde” – its rolling
structure is incredibly appealing, and lodges itself firmly in the part of the
brain that appreciates that sort of thing.
Phil S.
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