Narc. Magazine Online
Reliably informed
Simon Lunt discovers a charming release from the Northumberland singer-songwriter
On Farewell And Godspeed, Northumberland’s Sam Shields strips things back to the marrow. Five songs, just voice, guitar, and occasional harmonies from Emma Robson and Lauren Barnes.
Opener Magdalena aches with quiet longing, setting the pace for a collection content to walk rather than sprint. Alex Blamire’s production at Polestar Studios captures Shields with unvarnished clarity: fingers sliding on strings, breaths between lines, the warmth of human company in harmonies. Those seeking intricate arrangements or cryptic lyrics may find it plain, but that’s both its charm and limitation.
Sincere and unpretentious, it’s a troubadour holding his songs to the light, letting you see straight through them and sometimes, that’s enough.
