Nick Ward- Everybody knows the dice are loaded

I've been following Nick as a friend on Facebook for some years now before realising Sacrè bleu, as a music artist I'd never given him a much deserved write up, with a new album looming it seemed only right to make amends. 

Welsh singer-songwriter Nick Ward returns on a confident new frontier with his seventh studio album, Everybody Knows The Dice Are Loaded, due this summer. Known for his genre-spanning roots—from folk and country to alternative and rock—Ward has a storytelling strength that's up there with the best, no surprising then that some of his influences include  legends such as Neil Young, Elvis Costello, Glen Campbell, The Beatles and Hank Williams . 

Picking up a guitar at just 14, his journey has been anything but an overnight success. Every milestone has been hard-earned, from years of graft to a breakthrough moment in 2009 when he was signed by Audiofile Records. which he later took over. and still runs today   But that initial  deal helped launch his music to a global audience, leading to an impressive catalogue of 22 singles, 2 EPs, and 6 albums, very shortly to be 7.

And onto reviewing the forthcoming 9 track  album that was a treat to listen to and kicks off with Saddle Up  Settle Down, it's an invitation to slow down and disconnect and discover a quieter rhythm of life, it's a track that's both grounded and reflective, an Americana infused folk number with a timeless quality. 

The Beatles' influence is unmistakable on  “Here’s a Song I Wrote” from the melodic structure and crisp drum fills to the jangly guitar riffs, vocals and harmonies, it echoes the spirit of classic British pop while still sounding entirely Nick Ward. 

“It’s an Easy Life” is another standout, stripped back to just piano, harmonica and Nick’s gentle vocal, which sits effortlessly in the mix. It’s a beautifully understated track that lets the emotion breathe through its simplicity.

What I've gauged from listening to this album is that Nick isn't one to  chase trends, instead he delivers a body of work that feels authentic and timeless, it weaves between acoustic balladry, country tinged melodies and subtle rock moments and lyrically  he demonstrates the ability  to say more by saying less, his vocal tone soft and never forced sitting as one with each arrangement. Nick said "Now I'm recording myself I'm trying to keep it real and fresh sounding, not over produced, so I use first or second takes, I'm not looking for perfection, perfection is boring"  Set for release on the 4th July "Everybody knows the dice are loaded " is another winner from this seasoned songwriter . For listeners craving sincerity it's an album to sit with, let sink in and return to.

You can follow Nick at  his website : Nick Ward  Facebook: Twitter:   Instagram: Spotify: 

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