10

Sixth album from Dylan-esque songwriter.

For his sixth studio album, folk veteran Dan Bern has created a simple album with obvious roots. As soon as the vocals begin on opening track 'Trudy', his main influence is unmistakable, with his nasal vocals so similar to Dylan's that any tribute act to the mighty Bob would be impressed and wish to recruit him immediately. There is also a very retro sound to the music, with Bern's folk fable heavy with biblical references. To begin with the Dylan-heavy vocals are pretty jarring and slightly irritating, but as you settle into the album more the songs become more affable. This album can then be viewed more charitably as a homage to Dylan, and nothing more than a singer sounding coincidentally like his idol. Of course the fact that his idol is one of the biggest and most respected to ever hit folk can make a listener more cynical...

All questions of originality aside 'Breathe' is an amiable effort, and although its intention is obviously not to shake boundaries it works within their confines quite nicely. The harmonica intro is always a winner as far as I'm concerned, and as such 'Feel Like A Man' (any reference to 'Just Like A Woman' there?) succeeds easily. Bern's songs are classic folk, with slower, more introspective musings interspersed with more jaunty music providing the backdrop to the bittersweet tale of a relationship between father and son.

The overly simplistic lyrics of 'Remember Me' such as the opening line "If I's a bee I'd have to sting you with my stinger" are quickly grating, and the song reveals itself as one of the album's weakest. With 'Suicide Room' things return to the earlier and much more encouraging order, with a searing song overflowing with unsettling descriptions of suicide and talk of being "addicted to despair".

This album will probably appeal to any fans of the almighty Bob, as it is similar enough to appeal but has enough of its own spark to warrant attention regardless. A slow burning and world weary gem.