Best known as a drummer for hire (with Gasoline Cowboy and Fuce in his own band history), it turns out that Scott J Mason is truly gifted in the songwriting department. Predominantly acoustic-based, the music is stripped back to highlight the thoughtful and well considered lyrics. Witness Be On Your Guard – “Be on your guard, be on your way… The veil will fall on one and all… Someone is watching, someone is listening in, someone is waiting, for you to fall…”

With personal lyrics delivered in an intimate, often vulnerable way, he has the ability to cement apparently simple words into an aural etching that lingers well after the notes have faded. His third release under his own name, recorded and produced by Mason himself in his bedroom, this is a fantastic 7-track EP with special appeal. Strings are provided by Dave Khan, backing vocals and help with the artwork from Kirsty Cooper, and one song was co-written with Simon Meehan, but apart from that it’s all Mason.

Animal Guilt by Scott J Mason