London Folk Magazine and News
Album Review - Theo Dussek: ‘Written in the River’
Written in the River will be released on 5th April and is the second album from Hertfordshire singer-songwriter Theo Dussek.
The Pirate Troubadour presents us with twelve songs, each representing a respective month, of the first year of a new relationship. Steeped in the romance of the seas, Theo’s songs are unpretentious and accessible, unraveling relatable and eternal concepts of love and joy. As he writes from the unique experience of a trans man, a perspective rare within the folk music scene, he manages to poetically explore his own journey through self expression, loneliness and acceptance.
The simple folk arrangements with acoustic guitar and fiddle place it firmly within the folk singer songwriter genre, however at times there are some more indie-pop influences which help to give the album its own original sound. There is a frank and earnest sincerity to Theo Dussek’s lyric style. Rather than over-shrouding his lyrics in convoluted metaphor, he sings with clarity and feeling, straight from the heart. This instantly captivates the listener as they ride the waves of the sea soaked narratives of each song.
Written in the River is bold and clear in concept, and written from a unique perspective. I like the way in which Theo Dussek uses a simple, timeless musical backdrop to deliver an emotionally moving album, written from a point of view which is rarely pushed to the fore, either in the folk scene, or mainstream culture.
10th April – LONDON – The Bedford, Balham
20th April – SOUTHAMPTON – Planet Sounds
25th April – SHREWSBURY – In Good Hands Café
27th April – EDINBURGH – SHRUB Coop
1st May – PORTSMOUTH – Southsea Spirit
Instagram: @theodussekpiratetroubadour
