Without enough fanfare, the debut solo album from Dave Rowntree has been released. Radio Songs is an unassuming record, and one which suits the Blur drummer's skills not only for interesting rhythmic patterns, but a sense of exploration. The chances taken here are not huge ones, but it's refreshing to hear something this interesting that I wasn't even aware was coming.
"Devil's Island" is like something off of Think Tank, Blur's 2003 album, while "Downtown" is more distinctive. The ballad is simple and direct, and surprisingly heartfelt, as is "1000 Miles", another down-tempo number here. Elsewhere, "HK", perhaps inspired by the band's sojourn in Hong Kong recording 2015's The Magic Whip, is more experimental, beats and samples subtly jostling, while the mournful "Machines Like Me" uses bright keyboard-lines against a slow, steady beat. It's dour, but I think that's sort of the point. "London Bridge", the busiest song here on Radio Songs is good, but it's clear that Rowntree's skills as a solo artist may be better suited with simpler, more thoughtful pieces.
Radio Songs is out now. More details via DaveRowntree.com.
[Photo: Paul Postle]