Writing my first review for ‘Scene Better Days’, I was excited to discover young singer-songwriter Ieuan Williams from South Wales.

Now based in Bristol, after moving there for University, Williams has certainly been busy, writing music and promoting himself around the Bristol area. With the new year, along came his debut album, Love & The Minor Key, which is due to be released under Manchester-based independent label Under The Bridge Records at the start of February. So, what to expect?

I must admit, although Ieuan’s classic folk style of acoustic guitar playing was pleasing to the ears, the singer tends to talk rather than sing, almost as if singing through gritted teeth. Instead of kicking back and reminiscing those summer days, as I would when listening to the likes of other folk singers such as Bon Iver and Iron and Wine, I’d say the album was more hard hitting rather than easy-listening.

Lyrically however, I liked Ieuan’s deep-rooted storytelling style, even more so upon learning that he had written, recorded and performed the whole album by himself. I particularly liked the way Ieuan used rhyme in the track ‘Once, We Were Romantics’ as it really brought the vocals and folk melody together. The whole album really shows his determination to succeed as an artist, and I wish him all the best.

– SG