James Keen

Over recent years there’s been an influx of British male singer-songwriters into the charts, with the likes of James Blunt and James Morrison. But is there room for another James in the same easy listening vein?

London based singer-songwriter James Keen has just completed his debut album, entitled No Coincidence, which is set for a release on his own record label Jackaroo.

First things first, credit to James for completing an incredibly slick and well-packaged album, with all the professionalism of a fully-signed artist and which wouldn’t look at all out of place on the shelves of HMV. Aesthetics aside, No Coincidence, which was mastered at Abbey Road Studios is described as a 'labour of love' and is a complete melting pot of James’s influences such as John Mayer, Ryan Adams, Paul Simon and Neil Young.

James has worked with a myriad of musicians on this record including Kofi Karikari (Jamiroquai) and string quartet Eclipse Strings (Gorillaz, McFly), leading to a truly eclectic sound, helping to keep the album sound fresh with each listen.

Funky drums and bass form the basis of many of the tracks, such as opener Good To Go, Twisted and That’s The Idea. This is possibly a touch by drummer and producer Brian 'Cookie' McCook, who, when playing live with James, adds heavy, funked-up drums to the overall sound. Also prominent throughout the album are latino elements, particularly in Painting a Picture, and More Alive. But James’s voice works best when the songs are stripped back, acoustic and simpler – the very laid-back The Dawn and chilled Oversight prove this best.

More Alive is the weakest track on the album, seeming confused because of its many influences, but definite highlight is the simple but highly infectious Nevertheless, which will be stuck in my head for days to come.

Overall, a great and varied debut. Only time will tell if No Coincidence has the potential to propel James Keen to the mainstream.

For more information on James, visit www.james-keen.com or www.myspace.com/jameskeenmusic