ALBUM REVIEW: Andy J Fraser – White Feather

Released: 01.06.26

When you order a delivery of Americana folk to satisfy your musical cravings, you don’t expect it to arrive in Mackem packaging. That’s exactly what I got with White Feather by Andy J Fraser.

This 11-track offering is Fraser’s second studio album. It is a raw, stripped-back offering which creates an intimate and down-to-earth feel to the recording. Faint noises which occurred during the recording process stay in-situ, creating the sensation that the performance you are listening to is in your front room. In an over-produced world, simple stands out.

A sense of place runs throughout the album, with Sunderland’s past and present featuring prominently. 700 is a great anthem which celebrates the achievements of female shipyard workers in Sunderland during World War II – a moment in history not often spoken about. “We showed the world back then/Not to ignore us again”, croons Fraser, embracing the newly found voice of the women he celebrates here.

Unsurprisingly, there are tracks here that focus on Sunderland’s industrial and mining heritage. After all, it played a significant part in creating the city as it is known today. Easington 84 tells the tale of Paul Wilkinson, the first miner to break the picket lines in County Durham in 1984, returning to work at Easington Colliery. This single act triggered great unrest and several days of rioting. Fraser produces a fine performance here, like a bluegrass Billy Bragg. In a similar vein, Wearmouth Man paints a picture of the life of your average colliery worker seen through the eyes of a miner’s son. “He lost four toes and a finger too/But he did what a Wearmouth lad must do”, proclaims Fraser, highlighting a common occurrence for those working the seams.

Love and loss make an appearance with Let’s Do and North Star, but it is Bryony Blue that stands out as a gut puncher. Fraser tells the story of time spent with his father during his final years. Fraser asks, “Do you know me today?/Or have those memories gone away?”, a sentiment many of us will relate to when dementia has taken hold of a loved one.

White Feather deals with the subject of conscientious objectors while Snake Oil picks the festering scab off our current political and social climate. “Make a new fatherland in your name/A grifters refrain”, spits Fraser as he shines a light on certain political figures. And this was before a certain £5m ‘gift’ came to light! Fascism is fascism, no matter how you decorate it. As is cronyism, elitism, greed etc. I’ll get off my soapbox now.

The album concludes with a beautiful instrumental, Ghosts in the Blockyard which allows Fraser’s long-term musical partner Jim Bullock to shine with his wonderful, emotive harmonica playing.

This isn’t an album you will listen to when you want to get pumped up for a busy day ahead. You will want to listen to this with the lights low, a drink of your choice in your hand, and allow yourself to be pulled into Fraser’s realm. Add a pink slice for the authentic experience.