ALBUM REVIEW: J.P. Riggall – (Stories From) The Dukes County Motel

Bear Love Records

Released: 08.09.23

Teesside musician J.P. Riggall’s previous work, such as 2020’s Hotel Wilderness, poignantly portray how deeply thoughts of home run within his work.

His newest album is his most ambitious yet, having been fully realised by the artist himself and full of experimental flair, although with this release his focus is on the fictional patrons of the Dukes County Motel and an eternal search for love. Riggall’s guitar riffs and melodic voice are as haunting and beautiful as morning fog. Stand-out track Magic River is almost hypnotic, lamenting the enchantment of dreams and the mystique of the subconscious; while Down Through The Woods is buttery soft with yearning. Tales of loss, sorrow and love reign supreme, and the whole album glistens like a dream.