Keston Cobblers Club – Almost Home

Folk | Indie Pop

67%

Upon first hearing the title track of the new album from Keston Cobblers Club, I was struck by its warm and inviting melodies and infectious summer ready chorus. Listening to the rest of the album however, most of the comparisons with the likes of Mumford & Sons and The Lumineers begin to slip away. Much of Almost Home doesn’t really reach out and grab you, instead this album is more sophisticated and designed to grow on you with each new listen. The bright and upbeat ‘Demons’, with some subtle celtic vibes, stands out as the album’s highlight with its cheery energy and memorable chorus. ‘On Your Own’ strays into indie territory with an abundance of crystal clear riffs, but with just enough splashes of brass to keep you on your toes.

There’s a lot to like here, whether it’s the gorgeous arrangements on the likes of ‘Forest Hill’ or the interesting vocal harmonies on tracks like the off-kilter ‘Hands That Feed You’. It’s a thoroughly charming listen, albeit a bit outgunned by other bands on the scene. The album is a grower, and I worry with an overall lack of big hooks and big sing-along moments it’s not going to draw enough people in to give it the time and attention it needs. It’s certainly worth a few spins to get the full measure of it, but the band have proved that they can produce irresistibly infectious indie folk hits when the mood strikes them, and I just wish they went the extra mile and threw a few more big, festival ready choruses into the mix.