A semi-autobiographical depiction of his youth, ‘Harrowby Road’ is the debut album from Liverpool singer-songwriter Stephen Lawson, artistically known as Bluenose B. Written after his mother’s terminal illness diagnosis, ‘Harrowby Road’ sees Bluenose B making a return to his happy family home, looking out over Crosby Beach and Antony Gormley’s art installation. 

‘Harrowby Road’ is a warm and wholesome collection of indie rock tracks with electronic elements and country tones glimmering throughout. Lawson fills the songs with uplifting tones as he meanders between funky guitar refrains and light, nimble solos to create an upbeat listening experience. The album is well balanced with infectious bangers evenly spread between the soft lamenting ballads such as ‘Dark Inside’ where Lawson gives us a glimpse into his pain and anguish “the reason that I love myself because I know there’s no one else”. 

Throughout the album, Lawson expresses his pain through country-rock tunes accompanied by icy piano elements and deft clean production. From the sweet guitar pines and lonely tones in ‘Rodeo Clown’ to the infectious electronic hued disco stomp of ‘Where The Rubbish Collects’, the album is laced in dynamic and expressive tunes that discuss the themes of loss, love, and mental health. 

However, the sultry ‘Freak’ marks a shift in the album’s tone. A shadowy enticing guitar line glimmers between intricate rhythms and wild, darker soundscapes, allowing Lawson to explore a mysterious and wilder side to his sound.

‘Harrowby Road’ is a refined collection of tracks that displays Lawson’s earnest and powerfully emotive songwriting.

Stream ‘Harrowby Road’ below

Author : Danu