While the name may suggest a solo musician, John Edgar Voe are a group of Belfast musicians led by Martin J Corrigan. Named after a character Corrigan met in a dream, the band formed in 2009. ‘Western Notes’ is their first release and an excellent taster for their album scheduled for release in early 2012.
The four song EP opens with “Highwayman”. With a strong Americana feel, it is impossible not to think of Johnny Cash; yet with a slight Northern Irish accent coming across. There is just something instantly like-able about it.
The slightly slower “The Conscript” continues on in the same style. The effortlessly delivered vocals and laid back melody have a summertime feel. It is probably the stand out track of the EP and will stay in your head after one listen.
“Letter To Joanna”, is an old fashioned love song that you will find it impossible not to tap your toe to. The repetitive drum beat and catchy slide guitar sound like they would fit in perfectly in a bar in the American deep south. The EP ends with “Welded”, an upbeat track with wonderful harmonies on the chorus.
If the ‘Western Notes’ is anything to go by John Edgar Voe are definitely ones to look out for in the future. A must for folk, Americana and country music fans; the EP can be downloaded now from iTunes.