On the press release there are quotes from Paul McCartney and comparisons with David Gray and Damien Rice all designed to reel in the reviewer. Names are tossed out like hooks over battlement walls – but… there’s no need guys. One listen to the ‘Walkin’ the Long Road’ EP and it’s pretty clear that Paul Wilkes stands for the Music without the Bullshit.
It’s fragile picked guitar and a voice that works through a four song crescendo building up to the soaring emotion of the final track ‘I Want the World to See’. It’s understated yet passionate – the sound of friends at midnight with mugs of wine and stories to tell. Weary yet catchy… like Travis after a ten mile hike… or something. You see, hype doesn’t really work here. Just forget the shite comparisons and immerse yourself in the Music, it’s really quite lovely.