New Music #2 Dylan LeBlanc

Having been told that Dylan LeBLanc was being hailed as 'the new Neil Young', it became a necessity to immediately listen to his album (released last month, also on Rough Trade). 'Paupers Field' is a brilliant country/folk record from a youngster who boasts maturity, and a sound beyond his years.

I would definitely say that Dylan's sound is more Ryan Adams than it is Neil Young. This is by no means a bad thing as I've spent the past few years loving pretty much every Ryan Adams album (especially Love is Hell). It seems funny to discuss Dylan's lyrics when not talking about the real thing, yet the youngster's lyrics have come to be questioned somewhat in reviews. Many journalists have wondered whether his words of hardship and struggle are genuine, or just written because of what he is clearly influenced by. Obviously I don't know anything about Dylan's childhood experiences, but all I can say is that the words are sung with feeling, and articulated in a rich, warm, engaging, and at times, persuasive way. You become a believer.

It's one of those albums that could be playing in the background and go a little unnoticed; but in truth it deserves the attention of a quiet night in, a glass of wine, a comfy sofa and the flickering light of candles, glowing in an otherwise dark room.