Following on from the sparkling 14-strong collection of demos that created waves some 2 years ago, ‘It’s All in the Letter That Broke You Down’ is the debut ‘for-real’ full length record from the positively driven Merseyside songsmith Howard Doup a.k.a. BOBHOWLA.
These ten songs blend darkened folk acoustics with shimmering semi-acoustic splashes as Doup lovingly retraces his love/protest song-infuenced footprints back and forth across the Southport sands.
During the initial dizzying trip back in time, the ominous, jangling stomp of ‘Fear of the Same’ is U2-epic and all-powerful far beyond its subway sensibilities, whilst the folk-tinged Dylanesque narrative ‘1963’ shines solidly – For many, perhaps as the centrepiece of this hugely impressive record.
Seaside conceived though the album is, there’s not a trace of tackiness - ohhh no! The melodic content glows from deep within the melancholy throughout this almost archetypal emotional rollercoaster ride. Offerings like ‘Is This My Heart’ and ‘Even Though’ are quick to wind their way into even the coldest of hearts; both songs shine as credible parts of a wider picture that is at once fragile yet brimming with inner strength.
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Elsewhere, the racing-heart momentum of ‘The Ballad Of Janie Gibson’ is a delicate and desperate precursor to the all-out, inhibition-shedding, head-loss trip of ‘That’s How It Started’. Rattling percussion illuminates the delightful bluegrass-ode ‘When Love Stops A-Lovin’ as the horizon-gazing joy of all things Americana starts to kick in.
This is a record that showcases that rarest of beings; a true songwriting talent. ‘It’s All In The Letter That Broke You Down’ comes highly recommended by this writer for those who rate good ‘songs’ over mere ‘tunes’.
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