Craig Gould is a Burton-on-Trent-based folk singer songwriter who I’ve covered a few times on this blog. He’s just released his debut album, and it’s already getting a good reception, reaching number nineteen on the official Americana charts. So, understandably, I was keen to give it a listen. It’s called Songs from the Campfire.
By Graeme Smith
Feature photo by Phil Drury 2324 Photography
In 2016, Craig experienced a mental health breakdown, which caused him to collapse and seriously injure his head. It was a traumatic moment for him, but also live-changing in a positive way. The incident encouraged him to turn his back on his fast-paced business career and focus on music. Mental health is a theme that runs through Songs from the Campfire, and Craig intends for it to be a conversation starter. He’s also donating all profits to CALM, the mental health charity.
The album opens with The Campfire Song and gives us our first taste of Craig’s gentle and rich Americana, and expressive vocals. Previously-released single Out of the Woods ups the tempo but stays soft, welcoming and lyrically raw. Dreamers is a hopeful, acoustic guitar-led highlight while Ain’t No Place To Hide is lively and canters along. I Am the Earth rounds off the first half of the album with a heart-breaking ballad.
Burned is a honky-tonk piece of country folk that morphs into psychedelic rock. Old Brown Boots is an image-laden tale of embracing change while Holding On a delicate and romantic tribute to true love. Captain of the Seas is a richly emotive late album highlight before the album is rounded off by the waltzing, Cat Stevens-esque Story of Life.
I can’t recommend Craig Gould’s music enough. It’s raw, honest, and beautifully written and composed. Perhaps most importantly, it has a powerful message and seeks to make the world just a little better for those suffering from its stresses and strains. He’s also cracking live, and is coming to Leeds later in the year.
Songs from the Campfire was mixed, mastered and co-produced by Miles Myerscough-Harris at Whispering Bob Harris’s Under The Apple Tree Studios. You can give the album a listen below.
