Nic Dawson Kelly carries a name that will conjure up images of three songwriters entwined under one moniker like Crosby, Stills and Nash; but Old Valentine is created by one artist and plays out like a very real homage to inspirations from the ‘50s and ‘60s. Though Dawson cites country bluesmen such as the legendary Son House as an additional influence, there is little evidence of that here.
His tremulous vocal style sounds much like a bleating Bryan Ferry, and will either entice or irk listeners. Kelly’s material is created primarily with acoustic guitars that are frequently combined with diatonic harmonica meanderings, and the train-like shuffle that made Johnny Cash famous. It’s hardly original stuff, and lacks the crossover quality that Amy Winehouse was fortunate enough to muster. Old Valentine is likely to find fans amongst the musically nostalgic, and with history such as it is, its affection will be hard to ignore.
