Fraser are a London based quartet who take their name from front man Fraser Gregory.
Fraser, the man, was born in Scotland but grew up in Malta where he was a founder member of Indie group The Beangrowers before leaving to seek his muse as a roving solo artist.
With the band he's put together here, his Indie roots remain evident but there is the added variety of folk-pop elements that invest the record with a commercially orientated, yet introspective spirit. The album certainly has the feel of a personal vehicle rather than a group project.
Despite the reflective quality of the tunes, Fraser is not from the 'woe is me' school of song writing. An underlying mood of optimism wins through even when facing the cruelties of love and his personable voice give the ten songs a genuine warmth.
Above all, there are moments of pop splendour that demonstrate his ear for a great tune. This is particularly so on mellower songs like Find Love and Laughter (Everyday); both stylishly anguished ballads that tug ever so gently on the heartstrings.
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Hope also springs eternal on Old Tree and There Is A Forest, where the woody references symbolise places of sanctuary and consolation.
More upbeat songs such as Bamboulina Sunshine and the single Lay It On The Line are pleasant but nowhere near as memorable, while the catchy Let It Rain just sounds like a cross between Verve and James.
There is not quite enough to hold the attention throughout but there's still plenty to admire on this easy going debut album.
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