He’s not from Deptford, and he’s not a goth – but Daniel Woolhouse has made an album of real beauty to kick off what ought to be a fruitful career. Woolhouse taps in to the same sort of place that James Blake and SBTRKT do – the classic bedroom / laptop combination – but his is a different approach, with songs of emotional tenderness often played out against widescreen productions, with more emphasis on the treble than the bass. With some aching harmonic shifts, ‘Guts No Glory’ and ‘Feel Real’ are two of the most heartfelt songs here, the later given a nice harp to brighten the sound. While ‘Life After Defo’ moves slowly it’s definitely not devoid of energy or positivity either, for there’s a lightness here that suits blue skies and warm sunshine. Woolhouse has used his electronics and his warmly soulful voice to beautiful effect here, in what is an extremely promising first album.
5 out of 5
Reviewed By Ben Hogwood
