It wasn’t that long ago that we were featuring Craig Gould on our blog, firmly on his way to conquering the folk and country audience with his nuanced artistry. Writing about ‘Out of the Woods’, we proudly declared it “full-bodied, warm, mellifluous, brilliant!”. Now, the British songster returns with what feels like the destination of a two-year-long journey, started in 2021 with ‘Ain’t No Place To Hide’ and culminating today with a stunning full-length album ‘Songs from the Campfire’.
Before we dive into its sonic universe, there’s something crucial to be said about the project: Gould has been collaborating with CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), a mental-health-focused charity. That means all proceed from the record will be donated to them. The topic is also greatly tied to the writing process that brought the record to life. Experiencing severe burnout and PTSD from overworking in high-stress commercial environments, Gould returned to music as a means of personal expression and redemption.
Fast forward a few years, and here we are with ‘Songs from the Campfire’. A fully acoustic record, the album focuses on soothing and gentle tones, although interlaced with the occasional haunting and dark melodic pattern. Craig’s vocals are the perfect match for such settings: dynamic yet evocative, his tone makes it possible for the listener to fully drown into the sonic matter, allowing us all a deeper journey into our consciousness.
A worthy record, give it a chance.
Recommended! Discover ‘Songs from the Campfire’ on Spotify:
