DAFT Punk admitted recently in interview that they recorded Random Access Memories in 2012, but delayed releasing it until June 2013 because the album’s feelgood factor was perfect for the summer months.
With that in mind, you wonder if JBM – aka Canadian singer-songwriter Jesse Marchant – would have been better off delaying second album Stray Ashes until, say October.
Just like Daft Punk, it’s a record which evokes the 1970s – only this time it’s the 70s of Nick Drake and his ilk rather than Chic and co which are the inspiration.
Marchant has a lovely voice, and the combination of guitar and rolling piano is a winning one. Fans of Bon Iver, Villagers and The National will find plenty to enjoy here but it perhaps lacks that certain something extra in order to break through in the way those three have.