Hong Kong born, London based singer-songwriter Allman Brown releases his new LP, Second Son, via Nettwerk. Allman has been working with pianist Thomas Bartlett (The Gloaming, Taylor Swift, The National), Peter Katis (The National, Interpol, Gang Of Youths) vocalist Kori Gardner-Hammel (Mates Of State) on this latest work. Some of his most personal and profound songs to date, it’s a wonderful collection of polished folk-pop songs scattered with synths, live bass, electronic pianos, electronic percussion, and live drums...

Second Son is an impressively engaging LP. It consists of 10 (36 min, 24 sec) folk pop songs. And in all honesty almost all could be singles in their own right.

It opens with my personal favourite 'My Ordinary Life' which has a strong verse structure followed by a catchy chorus. 'Take Me Back' almost has an air of '80s Chris de Burgh about it.

Other personal favourites include 'Bewildered', which reminded me of Morten Harket's solo albums and 'Your Nature' both of which are instantly accessible and feel timeless in their delivery.

If you like your music to be laid back and memorable then Allman Brown is worth checking out. I really enjoyed my time with Second Son.

8

Nick Smithson