Kete Bower´s recently released second album pitches us deep into the desolation of the UK´s once proud industrial north, a place whose imperial grandeur is now replaced by alcoholism, loneliness and quiet desperation. Skillfully executed in a slow Americana style, this work is loaded with a resigned anguish reminiscent of Johnny Cash´s seminal final album.

All the songs follow a similar format and pace; a poised, minimal rhythm guitar takes us plodding through the town, subtle details are expertly added by electric guitar, pedal steel or dobro and all brutally overlayed by the simple, sonorous poetry of a man broken. The unwavering rhythm lulls us into a tedium but cleverly the musicians include jolts in the timing which create a genuine sense of unease. It is an effective combination, building within us both the numbing monotony and the desperation of abandoned factories, derelict shipyards and broken dreams. Track titles such as "A Town With No Cheer" and "You Stole My Joy" let you know Kete is not pulling any punches, we are going all the way down.

Although the album is clearly intended as an experience in the whole, my stand-out track is "Winner" (not as upbeat as the title might imply). It contains something of Springsteen´s small town frustration. With Bruce however, although we knew we were born to lose, you always felt there was a chance you might, at least, get laid. The hope in this song is less convincing and the sadness, as a result, deeper and more lingering.

All the songs were written by Kete who hails from Birkenhead, however Paper Ships is a Canadian affair, recorded at The Hangar Studio in Toronto. It was produced by Michael Timmins of the Cowboy Junkies, who also picks up some of the electric guitar. Peter Timmins covers the drums, Bass is by Josh Finlayson (Skydiggers), Electric Guitar from Tom Juhas (Slutty Slutty Bang Bang Band), Aron Goldstein on Pedal Steel and Michael Johnston on Keys.

All in all, a high quality cast matched with exquisite execution.

If you believe happiness is a sad song, there is a whole industrial heartland of bitter sweetness here for you to enjoy.

Buy Paper Ships on Bandcamp here

Steam Paper Ships on Spotify here