Josh Bunce

"Norwich SNL was launched by Josh Bunce [pictured above], whose acoustic melodies are reminiscent of Jack Johnson and Jason Mraz. Josh performed a number of his songs throughout the evening and explained about the inspiration behind his work." - Network Norwich

Reviewed by Matthew Cordle

UK-based Josh started playing the guitar at the age of 15 and started writing songs a couple of years later. Here is the fruit of that, and what a refreshing sound Josh and the others involved have crafted. There is a lovely uncomplicated spaciousness to the music, helped by the restraint of the simple instrumentation - vocals, acoustic guitar, drums, percussion and solo cello. The playing is musical and interesting, supporting Josh's vocals which, although slightly deadpan, have a yearning style that works well. The soundstage is very natural and it wouldn't take much imagination to close your eyes and imagine you were in a pub listening to the band playing. Josh explains the title - "I reckon that sometimes it can be all too easy to become obsessed with the now and it's then that we lose perspective on what really matters in life." The lyrics are not overtly Christian in content, and are presumably designed to be crossover, but Josh openly declares his primary influence as God. Stylistically the songs remind me of Chris Rice and Jack Johnson in their more acoustic moments. Every track is good, but highlights for me are the bouncy "The Way It Goes" and the gentle "Anything". The CD was recorded with the help of An Airde, a charity aiming to promote the Christian faith through the advancement of Christian recording artists, and on the basis of this evidence, a thoroughly worthwhile charity. - Cross Rhythms