Is everything going to change for Foy Vance, now that he’s signed to Ed Sheeran’s label? It should, because the Co Down man is one of our most talented singer-songwriters, injecting passion and power into his performance instead of the half-hearted whimper of most of his contemporaries.
His third album encompasses his usual husky-voiced folk, blues and soul-rock, with solemn, gospel-fuelled choruses and lyrical nods to his hometown (Bangor Town) and love (Burden, She Burns).
The standout is Upbeat Feelgood, a soulful, Van Morrison-style folk zinger that's impossible not to get swept up along with, while Coco's James Taylor vibe and the mystical Wild Swans on the Lake temper the rousing tempo.
It’s difficult to see Sheeran fans getting on board, but this is solid stuff, nonetheless.
