Pete Lawrie // Debut EP

Pete Lawrie is now a much-loved new name in my life. Possessing a bellowing, raspy voice that is just plain resonant and bellowing, as well as a dexterity that covers Celtic folk, rock and the at times melodramatic makes for some pretty darn good listening. Hailing from Penarth, Pete has collaborated with the likes of Speech Debelle, strange when you think of his own output, but completely on point with his mélange.

He’s just signed to Universal/ Island Records and the young singer/ songwriter will be taking to the road British highways with Turin Brakes come March 9^th, full dates below. I will be mooching down to the bush for 26^th fo’ sure. The balance between both lilting and frantic rock/folk on the title track ‘How Could I Complian’, White Stripesesque guitar riffs on ‘Panic’ and lamented duet with piano on ‘Paperthin’ convey a much appreciated simple diversity in Pete’s music.

The chap’s voice lends itself to the music’s variance in meter very well, at times the Waterboy’s with the attitude of The Pogues, coupled with the ferocity and elegance of Dylan and the occasional, hanging poignancy of David Gray, but in more of Welsh growl, and a very nice Welsh growl for that matter. As I mentioned, I’m a fan. Hopefully we’ll have more from Pete soon.

09/03 / Birmingham, Glee Club

10/03 / Bristol, St Georges

11/03 / Oxford, Academy 2

13/03 / Manchester Academy

14/03 / York Duchess

16/03 / Gateshead Sage

17/03 / Sheffield City Hall

19/03 / Edinburgh, Cabaret Voltaire

20/03 / Glasgow Classic Grand

21/03 / Nottingham Rescue Room

23/03 / Southampton Brooks University

24/03 / Milton Keynes Stables

26/03 / London Shepherd’s Bush Empire

27/03 / Brighton Concorde 2