There must be something in the water in Glasgow. The city is replete with singer songwriters. One of them is Stewart Traquair and "The Purpose of the Hopelessly Immoral" is his second, self released album.
This is an easy going, relaxing album that is well suited to late night listening on headphones for it will surely transport you off to a better, if sometimes dark, place. In a way, it was reminiscent of British folk music of the late sixties and early seventies transported into a modern, urban setting. "Somewhere In Between" proves to be the catchiest tune with a delightfully twee keyboard livening up the backing track. "Dirtbomb" put a bit of fire into the proceedings thought the melody did sound strangely familiar. "Now is Never Too Soon" had a pleasing, countrified feel that had us humming along. There is a certain delicate poetry to the lyrics and our Mr Traquair certainly appears to be in a reflective mood judging by the songs on this album.
Pleasingly melodic with that open, almost spiritual feel of the best folk music this album did prove to be a rather soothing experience. A bit more variety with the tempos would not have gone amiss but, all things considered, it would be just the thing after a hectic day at work. By the way, the cover art was by the man himself so it would appear that his artistic talents go beyond music.