Glasgow born and bred Brendan Campbell’s debut album ‘Burgers and Murders’ is a beautifully executed masterpiece. Both haunting and charming on occasions, Campbell’s Celtic influences date back to earlier years and his deep roots within the Scottish folk scene.

Surprises lay ahead for the listener with every corner that is turned, from the seemingly jovial, chipper single ‘Pirate Song’ to the atmospheric, chilling ‘Indica’. However, each song appears autobiographical, with a theme of his childhood and growing up running throughout; lyrically this man is a genius. Not forgetting his musical abilities, Campbell’s are second to none. Obvious comparisons to fellow Scot Bert Jansch are bound to be batted around, however, Campbell has grabbed folk by the scruff of the neck, brought it into the twenty first century and branded it as his own.

To be brutally honest it is difficult to see Brendan Campbell captivating audiences worldwide and even more difficult to see ‘Burgers and Murders’ going multi-platinum. However, Campbell should be treated as a national treasure, Britain’s best kept secret. His eerie tones would be lost in an ice hockey stadium, his songs are much better suited played to a group of people sat around a campfire in the Scottish highlands.

By Ben Connell

Format: Album
Rating: 10/10
Release Date: 27/10/08
Label: Everybody’s Records
www.myspace.com/brendangeniecampbell