James Deane - Diamonds & Hearts

James Deane's first solo release Diamonds & Hearts pulls in elements of soul, blues and country and blends them into a strong, self assured alt country landscape. Deane's gentle storytelling style is reminiscent of Neil Young and Ryan Adams, painting evocative and personal narratives on the complexities of life and love.

Stylistically, Deane covers the bases from delicate ballads to blues rock. 'Seventeen' is an innocent, folky ode to young love, whereas 'Unwritten Song' treads closer to arena territory with its rocky overtones. Elsewhere there are pleasing fingerstyle folky elements in 'Reasons' and 'Whole Heart Blue', the latter reminiscent of Bruce Cockburn and loaded with uplifting harmonica vamps. There's even a subtle Mamas and Papas vibe in 'Someone, Somewhere, Someday' and a convincing nod towards Gary Moore et al on Nobody Knows You (Like I Do).

What's perhaps most interesting about the overall sound is that there's a clear British edge underneath the Americana; Deane manages to play to his influences without losing touch with his heritage in a way that rarely happens - Jess Morgan and Peter Bruntnell spring to mind, but it's a rareified club. Even the great woodcut style artwork demonstrates a strong western sensibility but with a homegrown subtlety and restraint.

Diamonds & Hearts is a solid and confident debut and Deane clearly knows how to play to his strengths. Definitely worth a listen.