Reviewed by Paul Loader

'Behind' is essentially a home grown demo, written, performed and produced by Ewan Jones in his spare room of his flat in Cheltenham. Although it definitely has the feel of DIY recording it is also a 'grower'. The more you listen to the songs the more they begin to get a hold on the listener and the more they work their way under your skin. Originally recorded in 2007, it has been re-mixed during 2008 giving us what Ewan himself describes as a "louder band feel". Mind you if this is louder I would love to hear what he considers to be his more gentle ponderous work. This is a very laid back collection of songs with track five "Crossing" really being the standout song for me, with its haunting bridge of "Everyone's going to war" really making my ears itch. It does feel as if the CD has been laid out in chronological order as "If You Miss Me" has an immaturity about it that speaks of a young man with his first guitar taking those early fledging steps in the world of recording. By "Approach", the fore-mentioned "Crossing" and "Winter Came" the songs begin to sound as if they have been written and recorded by an artist that has begun to learn his craft, has grown in confidence and now knows how to create an atmosphere. 'Behind' is a good starting point to discover where Ewan began before he entered into a studio with an experienced producer for his latest album 'Pretty Binary Opposite'.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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