Album Review: Hickman and Quinn - Times (Self Release)

Ten self-penned songs emerge from the partnership of Shrewsbury-based duo James Hickman and Chris Quinn, finding their way onto this their debut album. The album, produced by Andy Bell, renowned for his previous work with Seasick Steve and KT Tunstall, has at its core a folk/roots agenda and offers a series of highly melodic songs from two voices, two guitars and on three of the songs, the inimitable sound of Karen Tweed's empathetic accordion.

Opting for smart suits in their presentation, together with mock Tudor decor and a handsome inner sleeve representing their lyrics in the form of their own version of the Times newspaper, their classy and youthful image appears to reflect the music within. I'm Beside You, the album's opener, which is followed in quick succession by When the Day is Gone, introduces in turn the two individual voices, neither of which over dominates.  

Whilst for the most part the duo offer a contemporary folk pop sound, The Hanging of Jack Brown sees Hickman and Quinn attempting some classic storytelling in a well-trodden ballad form, with an engaging narrative and a crisp acoustic backdrop. The dexterity of the duo's guitar playing can be found in such songs as The World Was Spinning Round and the instrumental Midnight & Morning, both demonstrating the duo's fearless approach in navigating the normally unchartered reaches of the fret board.

White Crested Waves stands alone as the only solo composition, written by Hickman and featuring a lilting European-styled accordion accompaniment, possibly French, courtesy of Karen Tweed. Rounding things off with the relatively sombre Hazy Days, Hickman & Quinn present a confident debut, which will no doubt garner some positive interest during their current tour UK tour.