The Pictish Trail - 'Secret Soundz Vol 1' (Fence) Released 08/09/08

The Pictish Trail, AKA the talented Johnny Lynch, AKA King Creosote's partner at Fence Records, releases his debut album 'Secret Soundz Vol 1', on yes you guessed it Fence Records. Johnny has been very busy over the past few years recording and touring with King Creosote and James Yorkston but its his time to shine with this debut release, solo tour dates and even support slots from old fencer KT Tunstall. 'Secrets Soundz...' has 10 songs full of hypnotic folk-pscyh-rock gems. The sound draws on his influences from the local Fife artists such as King Creosote and The Beta Band.
 
Opening track 'Secret Sound # 2' sets the standard's high, with synths and electronics while Johnny bellows through distorted microphones "... Secret Sounds...". The track builds in intensity as it moves sweetly into 'All I Own' which see's the use of delightful acoustic guitars and gorgeous vocals from Johnny. 'I Don't Know Where to Begin' allows the Fence Collective to pull together as Johnny is fully assisted by The Earlies and King Creosote on vocals and instrumentation. The song has essence of Fence all over it, with its Celtic and dreamy lyrics "... I don't know where to begin/I should slowly write things down/ When you were a Soldier/ I followed you around..." which blend nicely with acoustic guitars, drums, accordions and subtle harmonies.
 
'Words Fail Me Know' was previously released as a 7" Single and sits comfortably as the half way mark on the album, the song is rockier than previous tracks however the vocal being so distinct and sensual the song doesn’t feel out of place, the use of synths are also present like before and the track comes together beautifully as he builds the sound up to a frenzy and again distorts his vocal to finish this live performance favourite. 'Ribbon (The Twist) see's the return from support from The Earlies and King Creosote with a short 2 minute love ditty about, the good and bad in a relationship "...you won't settle down/ you twist like a knife in my arm/ I am just out the shower now/you twist like a knife in my arm...".

'Winter Home Disco' has distinct comparisons to a mash between Hot Chip and The Beta Band, while 'The Lighthouse' returns to a folky style track. The album is closed with 'Secret Sound # 5' with that now very familiar synthesiser and electronic sound, again “… Secret Soundz…” being sang through robotic sounding microphones.
 
The Pictish Trail's album is experimental in places with links back to his acoustic and folky roots. The experience he has gained from writing and touring with a wide variety of talented artists such as James Yorkston, King Creosote and Pip Dylan show through his work, yet his unique blend and the fact he shut himself away to record the album mostly in his own house shows his skill and determination. Although its taken 4 years to produce, Secret Soundz has been worth the wait!