CD REVIEW: IVOR SK – Montserrat

CD REVIEW: IVOR SK – Montserrat
Independent
April 2017
Reviewed by Shane Pinnegar
7 ½ /10

Ivor SK (that’s Simpson-Kennedy to his teachers)’s debut album Monserrat is aptly titled: nearly every song here is influences musically or lyrically by the Caribbean, making this a bright n’ summery, rootsy album full of good times.

The laid back blues of the title track captures the one-man-band multi-instrumentalist in fine form, the West Indian flavours blending well with his Delta blues influences.

Time spent on the islands has paid off for SK – he’s soaked up Cuban and reggae influences, as well as a beach bum attitude in his lyrics. As far back as 10CC’s Dreadlock Holiday white boys were singing about bad times on the good time islands, and SK is no exception – I Been Had is a cautionary tale about getting ripped off after one too many, Murder Tonight has a N’Orleans Cajun spice to it, Ain’t No Cross talks of a “killer, a dopehead and even a banker,” before clarifying that SK himself “ain’t no saint.” Best of all is the Jimmy Buffet-happy hangover before the regret kicks in of Good Mawnin’ Judge.

Category: CD Reviews