House of Jacks is Blair Dunlop's second album, following on from 2012’s Blight & Blossom, which led to him receiving the Horizon Award at the 2013 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

House of Jacks contains 11 tracks (46 min, 48 sec) and represents a collection of beautifully crafted songs that are influenced, but not confined, by Dunlop's folk roots. Dunlop's trademark guitar and vocal combo is enriched with a broader palette of instruments to create a more contemporary sound.

The album is a rich with memorable tracks. Personal favourites include 'Chain By Design'; 'Violas Reverie' (this beautiful instrumental track was inspired by Dunlop's love of football; 'The Ballad Of Enzo Laviano'; and 'The Station'. Though in fairness, there isn't a dull track here.

This is a folk-infused album for people who don't normally get turned on by folk albums. This is certainly worth checking out.

8

Nick Smithson