Master Solo - Heart Welcome Break

  by Jamie Rowland

published: 12 / 12 / 2008

Label: Night Owl Recordings
Format: CD

intro

Somewhat monotonous, but promising debut album from Master Solo, the project of Norwich-based musician whose folk/pop music is largely built around acoustic guitar and drum machines

Aside from having a name that sounds a bit like Mister Sulu (as if that wasn’t enough) Master Solo has quite a lot going for him, as is demonstrated by his debut album, 'Heart Welcome Break'. Also known as Mark Jennings, Master Solo is one of the many musical acts coming from the seemingly undrainable well of talent that is Norwich. Like fellow East Anglians Rory McVicar and Tiger MCs, Master Solo produces folk/pop tracks largely built around acoustic guitar and drum machines, although this is not the case with every track. The first half of 'Heart Welcome Break' is populated by slower, more downbeat tracks. They’re all great songs, but having them all clumped together at the beginning of the record makes getting to track 6 feel like a bit of a drag. The second half, in contrast, turns up the pace and feels like a much more upbeat affair, and is therefore somewhat more enjoyable to listen to. Don’t get me wrong, 'Heart Welcome Break' is a great first record, and a nice variation of tone is always good on an album, but I think it makes an album much more manageable to a listener if you inject a bit of ‘oompf’ (for want of a better word) at more regular intervals. Still, well worth getting hold of a copy of this debut, particularly if you’re into any of the other great acts of the Norwich ‘scene’.

Track Listing:-