Former Londoner Dionysios Bitros calls himself a late bloomer, creating his first album at the ripe ol’ age of 35. It’s an eclectic mix of mainly guitar-led pieces ranging from Richard Thompson folk (Curse of Mortlake, No Shadow), Eric Bibb-styled pickin’ blues (Good Morning Blues) to the ’80s Americana/Cougar-Mellencamp soft rock of Dream All Day. There’s even a cheeky rip off, Have You Ever, which smashes together Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s Somewhere Over The Rainbow and Dion’s Runaway Sue. Pub rocker Child provides the most pleasant surprise.
His partners in crime are a highly competent, guitarist Allan Lavis is pure magic, whilst percussionist Sofia Pua and bassist Max Faava faithfully hold together the engine room through even the bumpiest bits. Special mention to Justin James for his overall production at the Tonewheels Studio desk. Bitros is still looking for his voice, with many of his influences remaining un-distilled, but when it comes there will be cause for celebration.