Glasgow based singer-songwriter Kev Howell has recently released his debut album, ‘Haunting Ambition’. After beginning writing original material back in 2014 with an old 8-track machine, some Cubase software, and a lot of ambition and talent, Howell has come a long way. Over the past 3 years, he has grown a solid and dedicated fanbase and gained support slots for the likes of Ben Ottewell and Bill Ryder-Jones. Inspired by the likes of The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, ‘Haunting Ambition’ boasts nine alternative rock tracks, driven by melodic guitar chords and a haunting and distinctive vocal line.
‘Haunting Ambition’ is a swirling dark concoction of alternative soft rock churning and coiling in a sixties psychedelic dissolving fermentation. Smooth and crooney ‘Distance’ sets the mood of the album. The underlying groovy hints present itself through the bouncy rhythm while spooky spine chilling soundscapes wisp around haunting vocals. The smooth melody is delicate,soft and almost fragile while sharp guitars sting with a stabbing shrill creating a goosebump inducing thrilling listen. The shadowy narcotically hazy ‘Kamikaze’ follows. Vaporous and smouldering this sultry track exudes eerie tantalising mystery wrapped in a psychedelic rock mirage. There is definitely a Beatles-eque vibe in the song maybe it’s something about Howell’s soothing McCartney-like smooth vocals or the melty melody smothered in dark creeping sixties psychedelia. Each track flows fluidly into the next bringing you further into Howell’s cloudy dream state. ‘Ode to an Angel’ lightens the mood and tone of the album. Gentle, sweet and delicate with soft accompaniment it’s heavenly and calm. Warm guitar twangs twinkle in and out of the lush emotional vocal melody while glistening soundscapes add a heartfelt sprinkle of affection. It’s an elegant mood shifter. Each track is well layered yet arranged meticulously in such a way so each note, each pluck and strum makes its own impact and striking imprint on your soul. With this album when it’s swoony and dreamy it’s divine but Howell knows exactly when to break that up and add a wobbly mirage of sharp guitar stings. Each song tells an absorbing story which pulls you right into the depths of the track creating a wholly engulfing experience. ‘Nightbird’ brings a shimmy dance quality with an impressive array of instrumentation from banjo twangs to electric and acoustic guitar intertwined with electronic soundscapes. It’s infectiously boppy and very catchy. ‘Grave Lament’ is just simply beautiful and mesmerising. Howell gives you just under a minute and a half of this blissfully sweet relaxing track. Warm guitar takes you to a dreamy island paradise while a gentle snapping beat soothes your mind. It’s mind melting soul fulfilling and oh so good. With velvety vocals caressing a creamy melody it’s like he takes away all your worries and for a brief moment you are in Utopia. ‘Snipers Blues’ closes the album off with a gritty punch of blues rock. Dirty riffs drive the track while kinetic drums bounce and pound with ferocious energy. It’s effortlessly cool, swagger driven and ballsy while also holding an air of breezy laid back attitude. Sultry and eerie with sharp guitar wails it’s a dramatic memorable end to the album.
Kev Howell’s ‘Haunting Ambition’ album blends the brawny fiery punch of rock with sublime smoky poetry and sensual steamy psychedelia, showcasing his refined and proficient musicianship. It’s an album you can put on and will listen to all the way through finding new intricate details each time. He leaves space for thought and contemplation while still layering and weaving fine textures and sublime melodies. An impressive debut.
Watch the video for ‘Kamikaze’ below
