Album Review: Jarrod Dickenson - Ready The Horses

From the everlasting magic of Johnny Cash, through smash hit southern/western-set dramas like West World and The Walking Dead, to young British acts like Ward Thomas taking up the mantle. British country music fans are finally being given acts that make them sit up and think 'yeah, we are getting our own thing going here'.

But purists will always argue the real deal from the American south still hold sway. And that is why artists like the sharply-dressed Jarrod Dickenson are welcomed with open arms.

Weaving his tales through the most softly of strummed instrumentals he calls in help from big bands, just a lonely string line or pain-fuelled guitar to add to the feeling of Western authenticity.

Of course it does mean things are pretty pedestrian at times. The swirling melodies of A Cowboy & The Moon never threaten to burst forward, but they are simplistic and sweet for the way they are set.

The defiant I Won't Quit follows the same path, with heartbroken guitars slipping under his vocals on a safely-trodden path which carries atmosphere within it.

That big band sound on Take It From Me lightens the mood a little. There is something more fun about the sound here, as Jarrod swoons over the top with more force than usual.

For just a second record he seems to write with a maturity beyond his experience. But the danger can always of course be 'is he taking himself too seriously?'

He might stay clear of that here, but if he wants to create a name for himself then on his next outing he may want to add something a little more fierce to some of the tracks.

It doesn't need a drastic overhaul by any means, the genre often does sound along these quiet, slow-moving planes in its very existence. But we could do with a little more of the attitude and panache of Gold Rush. Something grittier and ballsier, something angry, to give his stories more of a wow factor.

Rating: 6/10

Jarrod Dickinson brings his suave brand of country to Birmingham's Hare & Hounds on October 4.