Like the artist himself, it shows the listener reality as it is. It does not pull any punches. Nor does it lack some humility and sensitivity of the human condition. One of the true features of accomplished folk music, past present and hopefully, the future.

Overall, the literary themes of disappointment, the trials of old age, love, human division from the ideal and some dark humour. The latter, however, never lapses into cynicism.

The collection possesses strong Anglo Americano musical influences, such as is evidenced in the work of the late John Pryne and others.

From the outset, I really enjoyed listening to the ironic nuances and socio political themes inherent in this album.

From the stable of Brian at Openhouse studio, one is quickly aware that a tremendous amount of hard graft has gone into this production. Overall, the artist has displayed a solid almost relentless musical context for what he is conveying to the listener. Although this never gets in the way of the sound meanings being conveyed. Great care has patently gone into the fine order of songs and meaning.

I  confidently, recommend this album to all who really appreciate the folk genre. It is so informative of a concept of life as seen through the lens of a very experienced singer songwriter.

Alan’s work on his songs here is deceptively subtle He paints his word pictures in restrained pastel colours and /or pencil drawings. In this way, he cleverly allows  space for the imagination of his audience to become engaged with his material.

By way of example, I love the way in A Penny For Your Memories, that with just a little twist of one word, memories he deepens the song from the everyday thoughts to envelop a whole truer relationship!

Old Bones takes a look at the infirmaties of growing old without lapsing into cynicism. It is a pencil study of acceptance about human inevitability. It hits us all and a little bit of light humour is in the lyrics lurking nicely in the background. Love it!

Even in Mercenary where politics comes to the forefront, there is little despair, but more sadness than anything about the incompetence of some of our political leaders. It isn’t a diatribe against them. It borders more on sadness that they often appear not to work in our interests too often.

I also, appreciate the implied fun of Devil in a bottle and thought about the imagery conjured up there. A real mingling of ironic observation and social truthes.

A Do Nothing Kind Of Day has a neat little nuance about it reminiscent of What a Day for A Daydream.

I will leave the other songs here not mentioned for other listeners to engage with as I have.

I have enjoyed this album so much and it will be a significant part of my listening in the future. I think congratulations are in order to Brian and Alan for giving voice to a very good album of songs which I am sure will impress any discerning fan of folk based original music.

Jack Owen August 2025.