James Keen - No Coincidence [Album]
 

When it comes to singer / songwriters, "No Coincidence" by James Keen is pretty much exactly what you hope to pay for. Usually the main focus is on the vocals, and all the hard work seems to have gone into the lyrics and the story it paints for the listener. This is why the singer / songwriter genre has and always will be a personal favourite for me.

A lot of people may be thinking "Why do we need another singer/songwriter, we have got about 50 already!" That’s where James Keen slots nicely into the equation because his work spans through the many genres of music. Snatching influences from Jazz, Blues, R&B, Soul, and pretty much pieces from everything else. This ‘musical greed’ has been put to great use as his debut album, "No Coincidence" so clearly shows. The tracks on "No Coincidence" seem to be mainly acoustic-centric tracks, but they also seem to steer away from the typical strumming of the High Street buskers. The use of Brass instruments, as well as classical strings really add a rich and fuller touch to the album.

Vocally, James Keen seems to have a slightly Folk-like tone to his singing, which tends to keep the album on a similar course as the music jumps through all the different genres and influences. Even if your not a fan of singer / songwriters "No Coincidence" is still probably worth checking out. The skill used to craft these songs is simply brilliant and the experimentation at use here is outstanding.

Overall, "No Coincidence" is a must buy for any fan of the musical arts. Each song seems to step away from the other, resulting in an album that is a shining example of just how diverse an Acoustic based singer / songwriter can actually be. Definitely worth a listen by all music fans.

Re: James Keen - No Coincidence [Album]
 

This review surprised me. I imagined this was going to be awful based on the album cover where he hugging his guitar. Shows that bands and artists should invest more money in their artwork really as in a store I would never pick this one up.

Re: James Keen - No Coincidence [Album]
 

Why do bands/artists do that! We want intriguing artwork, lots of mystery and subliminal 'BUY ME NOW, I AM DIFFERANT'. It's like choosing a lover, you don't want the same old anybody.. you want some spark, some differentiation to the nation!
I bet there are SO many amazing albums out there that completly slip under the limelight because they cop out with the promotional art and marketing. It should be a must to all musicians.. Altsounds lets do a campaign!

Re: James Keen - No Coincidence [Album]
 

Totally agree. Its awsome going into a record store and buying an album purely on its artwork, every done that?

Re: James Keen - No Coincidence [Album]
 

Fussy devil.

Re: James Keen - No Coincidence [Album]
 

Yeah man done that loads of times. They should let me do their artwork, I would make them some kick ass shiznit. James if you're reading hire Altsounds next time as we'll make sure your album gets picked up!

Re: James Keen - No Coincidence [Album]
 

James Keen and his guitar up a tree
K-I-S-S-I-N-G