Wine Stained is the debut EP from singer songwriter Beau Askew and takes us on a journey through the different aspects of his sound.

By Graeme Smith

Opening pensively with the stripped-back Plans, you can tell straight away you’re in for something special with Wine Stained. Beau’s vocals simply shine against a backdrop of simple acoustic folk pop as they deliver relatable, philosophical lyrics. The track builds nicely to a lingering climax and we’re off to a good start.

The EP is a stylistically diverse collection and Hold Me takes things in a livelier, bluesy direction with the addition of upright bass and drums. Title track Wine Stained sits at the heart of the EP and seduces the listener with a bittersweet tale of romance. I found myself hanging on every word of this highlight.

Lead single Closer to You is a vibrant and emotional moment that builds through a pleading first verse to arrive at a cinematic arrangement that is full of heart-wrenching highs and lows. Its lyrics have an important message about working through the tough times in a relationship.

The album is wrapped up by a live version of Rose Gold recorded for Sweet Harmony Sessions. Just as you think you’re getting a grip on Beau’s sound, this live recording shows another side of it with a jaunty and raw folk number rich with plucked strings.

Beau Askew is an exquisite musician and Wine Stained is a debut that is easy to get into. It truly deserves multiple listens thanks to the diversity of its sound and the depth of the lyrics. I’m glad to have discovered Beau’s music through it. I’m certain I’ll be sharing more of it.

Wine Stained was produced by Jeff Martin. The EP is out now and you can check it out below.