I was recently hipped to Pete Lawrie, an up-and-coming singer/songwriter from the UK, after posting about another such artist, Rumer. I was able to get my hands on his 3-song EP (albeit with two additional original remixes to the title song), “All That We Keep,” for a quick review for you all.
Lawrie is a born and bred UK man with music in his blood. His self-written bio on his website makes me envious of a life I wish I had. Born on Penny Lane to an oboe-playing mother and woodwind repairing father. In fact, his first memory is of his grandfather giving him a trumpet. Oh, and that grandfather? He played the horn on “Strawberry Fields.” Yes, that “Strawberry Fields.” He would spend his summers in the south of France, taking the car there with a potpourri of classic artists to bide the time.
To say he was destined, no, fated to be a musician is an understatement.
His EP is a simple affair, both in volume and music. The title track kicks off the EP, immediately introducing you to Lawrie’s smokey rasp. It’s reminiscent of Ray Lamontagne with a touch of John Mayer’s vocal swag. That is to say, imagine if Lamontagne had fewer cigarettes and still sang. It’s rough and soft all at the same time. The song itself speaks of the few things we have left when “we’re laid down to sleep.” In my opinion, this is an extended metaphor for death, “the bags you packed” being the memories you’ve kept with you along the way. Lawrie actually notes in his bio that death has been a predominant theme in his recently written music.
“The Penny Drop” is a wonderfully atmospheric song, driven by what sounds like a bowed Bass and a beautifully arranged string section. The finger-picked guitar, along with the falsetto harmonies from Fyfe Dangerfield, give the song almost a haunting quality. However, that’s not to say the song frightens, it’s more that it allows the music to fully envelope and surround you as a listener.
The final original (it’s actually a cover of an old Jay-Z joint that samples an old soul tune [thanks Joe!]) song on the EP is “Song Cry” featuring Lauren Pritchard, who sounds slightly like a young Joss Stone but with a more playful tone to her sound. The song grooves substantially more than the former two – never underestimate the power of a well utilized shaker. There’s a bit of a call-and-response between Lawrie and Pritchard, as they very candidly lament a relationship lost. Neither party has fully expressed the extent of their emotions for each other, so they “gotta make the song cry” to prove their love. There are some very witty lines in this one, perhaps that’s what makes the song so endearing. Any listener can put themselves in the place of either Lawrie or Pritchard and remember their own regrets in the world of love.
“Song Cry” is a wonderful ending to a solid 3-song debut. There are two more songs on the EP, remixes to the title track “All That We Keep.” They’re fun and add a little more dimension to an artist whose promise seems to me to be unending. Below you can download “All That We Keep” and my preferred remix from the EP by River Kids featuring Shad. If you’re still not convinced, check out “How Could I Complain” below. It’s my second favorite song of his after “Song Cry.” So, download the 2 free tracks and enjoy an evening of great folk/blues by Pete Lawrie.
(Download is closed. Hit me up with any questions)
MP3: “All That We Keep”
MP3: “All That We Keep (River Kids Remix feat. Shad)”
