Album review: JW-Jones - High Temperature

Though it never fully went away, there seems to be a bigger demand for it in the mainstream market and more artists are being given permission to throw out records for the masses.

But renaissances mean more competition. They mean different styles competing on a level footing whereas before one would have been shoved into a dark corner.

And with lots to choose from currently, it is hard to see what JW-Jones has in his locker to stand out above the rest.

The 37-year-old Canadian has nearly 20 years of experience to hark upon. And many critics do seem to like him. The 2017 International Blues Challenge winner has received much favourable press at home. But maybe the journey across the Atlantic led to his sound being lost in translation?

Think of that time you were taken to see your uncle's band play at the local pub. This guy who lives a suburban lifestyle and works as an accountant by day suddenly tries to transform on-stage into a batchelor who sings about birds, booze and banter.

At times this is like that. The lyrics seeming almost childish over the screeching blues guitars. They are certainly cringe-inducing at times. Even the fact it is a largely autobiographical record can't mask over that.

Murder In My Heart For The Judge for instance. Alright, there are few words that rhyme with judge. We'll give JW that. But his forced use of judge at the end of nearly every line of the chorus is creaky at best.

The whole piece seems formulaic. Verses sandwiching choruses before the obligatory long guitar slap before an ending refrain. When you have 13 songs following the same pattern it can grow a little tiresome.

Musically he is clearly talented, he creates some great sounds with his guitar such as on the haunted Midnight Blues. He also really sets to work on the strings during the funky Who I Am.

But perhaps a strictly instrumental record may have been easier to listen to?

Rating: 5/10

JW-Jones brings his latest tour to Bilston's Robin 2 on November 28