'The Water's Edge' is creating quite a stir in the singer/songwriter scene. With a voice reminiscent of John Martyn and a diverse set of songs, Luke Ritchie has managed to create a solid and engaging debut album.
In 2010, Ritchie set a goal of writing one song per week for six months. Between January and July he hammered out 26 songs, which he posted online as podcasts - a laudable achievement in itself. Although Ritchie planned to pick his best 11 and put out an album independently, he was soon approached by Paul Savage (Franz Ferdinand, Arab Strap, Mogwai) who ended up producing the album that winter. Nico Muhly (Bjork, Anthony & The Johnsons, Grizzly Bear) also wrote and recorded string parts for five of the songs. The end result was a record deal with Angel Falls Records, home to artists such as Robyn Hitchcock, Dr John and Richard Thompson.
Not content with the usual forms of distribution, Ritchie devised a novel way to spread his music around the world. At home, in a modest shed, he set about making 100 music boxes, which contained an MP3 player with Ritchie's album on it. The idea was simple:
1. Give music boxes to friends who were travelling abroad.
2. They listen to said album, take a picture and leave a note on Ritchie's facebook page stating where they had been.
3. Pass the album on to someone else.
So far, the music boxes have been photographed in around 50 different countries.
It's quirky and romantic, quite like Ritchie's songwriting style, which combines heartfelt lyrics with extremely catchy hooks. The opening track, 'The Lighthouse', eases the listener into the album with melancholy verses and a tongue twisting chorus. 'Shanty', one of the more rowdy songs on the album, could have been taken straight off Led Zeppelin III. This artist's refusal to be pigeon-holed is part of what makes the album so special. A melting pot of folk, pop and rock makes for an interesting listen the whole way through.
There are no fillers on this album but the stand out tracks for me have to be 'Butterfly', 'Northern Lights' and 'Right Then and There'. 'Butterfly' has a toe tapping rhythm and crisp harmonies that will remind some of Iron and Wine. 'Northern Lights' is one of the more folkie numbers, which highlights Ritchie's ability to convey a quiet strength in his songs. Soaring melodies tug on your heartstrings and make you feel like you should be having some sort of profound realisation about life. 'Right Then and There', featured on the popular TV show 'Fresh Meat', is testament to the old saying that sometimes the best songs are the simple ones. A bluesy guitar riff complemented by several haunting melodies sends chills down your spine.
All in all, it's hard to believe that this is a debut album because 'The Water's Edge' portrays a mature and well established songwriter. If this is the kind of material Ritchie can write in six months I think he will have a long and fruitful career writing and performing music.
Rating 4/5
You can purchase 'The Water's Edge' on Itunes, Amazon, Napster, Play.com, 7Digital and Ovi Music Unlimited. You can now order the CD at amazon.co.uk.
If you like Luke Ritchie's music you might also like: Fionn Regan, Ben Howard, Devendra Banhart, John Martyn and Bon Iver.
