Richard Dawson - End Of The Middle

"Mucking out the chickens/ Repairing a puncture in the polytunnel" sings Richard Dawson, while sounding like a Geordie Euros Childs, on the lead single 'Polytunnel'. This short story about the minutiae of life on the allotment is delivered with such charm that it's oddly compelling. Dawson's strength comes in achieving what he set out to do - "be stripped back, stark and naked, and let the lyrics and melodies speak for themselves and for the people in the songs". Against the odds, it sounds more cinematic for not having too many competing lines of instrumentation and there's a sense of confidence to this approach, which is braver than hiding behind layer after layer. 'Boxing Day Sales' is a timely release from the album, coming out as a single just before December. He proceeds to highlight the absurdity of materialism with sardonic wit and beautiful melodies. Dawson leaves the impression with his songwriting here that he's able to imagine stories and catch melodies whilst using situations many of us would find quite ordinary as the source of inspiration. It's an enviable quality to have and that of a true poet and artist.

TRACKLISTING
 
A1. Bolt
A2. Gondola
A3. Bullies
A4. The Question
A5. Boxing Day Sales
 
B1. Knot
B2. Polytunnel
B3. Removals Van
B4. More Than Real

PRODUCT DETAILS

Artist:  Richard Dawson
Label:  Weird World US
Condition:  New 
Genre:  Indie, Rock & Alternative
Format:  Vinyl LP
Cat Number:  WEIRD166LPX
Released:  13th February 2025