Southend has produced some cracking bands in the last few years. Engerica*, *Reuben and Smother come straight to mind but, in the words of Monty Python, now it's time for something COMPLETELY different.

Sam Duckworth is on a one-man mission and this, his debut EP, highlights his talent to produce music that is not just heart warming but that is also on the verge of being life affirming! The ex-member of Southend lads Silverskin has a simple musical angle in principal: armed with an acoustic guitar and laptop, he takes acoustic tracks and places some beats over the top. Sounds simple, but when it's performed like this you can't help but be amazed.

Drawing from artists such as Gomez, Cathal Coughlan*, *Athlete and Grandaddy, Sam proceeds to meld them into something unique. The song 'I-Spy' describes him perfectly in its opening lyrics:

"...I don't care that this song has a melody or that the beats are not complex / I'm just trying to make you sing and not be perplexed. It doesn't mean any less."

And that is the appeal of this! It is music stripped down to its basic core and performed with a raw passion. Surely that's what music should be about, right?

Yet again the Big Scary Monsters label has unearthed a gem and this one man from Essex could be on to something very special indeed!