Garron Frith is a musician from North West England who released two albums earlier this century but then lost interest in music and moved on to new things before “falling back in the saddle” having attended an open mic session and thoroughly enjoying himself. From that new beginning has come The Rub, ten original songs that have a very relaxed and laid back feel to them. He’s also chosen support musicians well so this isn’t just voice and guitar but different tracks include everything from keys to trumpet to drums. None of them ever swamp Garron’s understated voice with very clear vocals and carefully picked guitar though.
There are no great themes or overwhelming passion in the songs but a man, no longer young, negotiating life. ‘Pick A Fight’ does this well, with a harmonica and it’s noticeable that the backing to his songs has a mournful sound. It’s almost a coming of age song as the bright lights of youth fade. A surprise is that just as you expect the song to fade out it suddenly opens up into an almost Latin America outro, which certainly makes you pay attention.
The album’s bookended with ‘Author Unknown’ and ‘Author Unknown Reprise’. Sparse, country feel, with the ups downs of life and if there’s a theme in the album it’s times past and “casualties of yesterday with too much to say”. The reprise has a different sound whilst revisiting the key lyrics. It’s a much shorter piece with a more Spanish guitar backing, carefully picked.
Garron’s musical style can cover several bases. ‘Morning Light’ has what I describe as traditional modern folk. There are no drowned sailors or women called Nancy but an ordinary man trying to negotiate life. ‘Milk & Honey’ has a more blues feel to it which suits Garron’s voice very well and ‘Dead Meat’ has a country blues sound with an element of slide guitar. It makes for a varied collection of songs that sit within a fairly tight remit.
As an album I can say it’s a success, it flows well with good production. It’s a work you can play, lay back and let flow over you. The Rub releases on 4th November and will be available on most streaming platforms. A physical CD can be bought through the artist’s website.
Tony Birch
Artist’s website: https://garronfrith.co.uk/
‘Dead Meat’ – live at home:
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