Northumbria-born and London-living, Bren Riley's music is best described as contemporary folk. Years on from playing his first gigs in Paris bars, Riley presents 'London Belongs To Me', an album in which no two songs sound alike. Opening track 'The Actor', with its bluesy-ballad style, carries traces of Billy Bragg's 'January Song', while uplifting 'Jumping for the Sun' tells us of a lover who is "the only thing that really makes sense".
Love, however, is not the only theme explored; perhaps the most moving of all tracks on the album is 'Catford Man', a song that travels through the life of an unnamed man, from tough beginnings to a better - though not perfect - adulthood. Every track of Riley's contains a personal element, but the lyrics of 'Catford Man' are particularly touching.
Raw and honest from start to end, 'London Belongs To Me' is a delightful first offering. For fans of Bragg, look no further than Bren.
I bought this CD not long after it was released on a friend's enthusiastic recommendation. I wasn't prepared for what a sweet collection of tunes this actually is! Yes, Catford Man is a great song but I am particularly fond of Wandering Star, Stevie and Ally Pally. Bren's lyrics are touching, his rhythm & message up-beat and his phrasing spot-on. Beautifully done. This guy is on his way up!
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