Nathan Burton – Chinese Laundry

Wrexham born troubadour Nathan Burton cut his teeth as a singer-songwriter in Manchester, released an EP on local indie Northern Ambition then promptly vanished, eloping to Paris. Now he’s on the move again, this time to London with a plush homespun album in tow. Even a casual listen to Penny Racer reveals Burton’s spent a significant chunk of time in Paris meticulously fine-tuning his craft.

Chinese Laundry sounds timeless and hauntingly pretty – Burton’s soulful lilting vocal packs a tender weathered charm. There are hints of Ryan Adams and Elliott Smith here and on the equally gripping How Are You? Accompanied by lush string arrangements, double bass, piano and drums his alt-country-tinged acoustic guitar music has a rich, full-bodied flavour. An enviable talent following his own path – Burton’s poised to make a mark.

Paul Baird