Combining a sturdy stance with a penchant for swagger and sway, newcomer Johnny Flynn borrows heavily from Brit folk forebears like John Renbourn and Bert Jansch through his authoritative debut. Relying mostly on the strum of an acoustic guitar, an occasional fiddle, hints of brass and a melodious vocal that commands attention on first hearing, he’s too trad to be labeled nu-folk, but too much of an upstart in attitude to be classified as old school, either. Mainly he’s an artist that gravitates towards piercing melodies and an affecting delivery, one whose songs reflect a somber stance. “Tickle Me Pink,” as its title implies, reveals a rare moment of giddy delight, while the driving tempo of “Eyeless in Holloway” will likely entice the pub crawlers. Mostly though, this a steady, unwavering set of tunes, one that reflects a workingman’s outlook and approach. Indeed, Flynn sounds wise beyond his 25 years (“A Larum” is middle English for “Alarm” it turns out, a bow to scholastic aptitude no doubt), but his rollicking rhythms hint at a youthful zeal that’s barely repressed. (Lost Highway)
