MPD - Fruits of the Forest

is, we assume, the full initials for Michael Davis, a singer/songwriter from Lancashire. Though this may be his debut release, MPD’s musicianship has been honed by much touring in London with a now defunct previous band and this is evident in this self released record.

Lead song ‘Electrical’ is a beguiling and somewhat frustrating offering. An acoustic guitar strums continually throughout out the track without adding much in real value, the occasional touches of piano give the song a more rounded appeal but it is in the chorus that we find this song’s paradox. There is a beautiful melody on display but it awakens humbly when it has the potential to soar, the listener feels almost cheated.

There is a definite whiff of Geneva (remember them?) about the way MPD puts his songs together and even his voice is reminiscent but he has neither the range (see ‘Refrain’ - ouch!) or the power to really evoke the sadness, disappointment and romance featured in his music. Nonetheless his voice is pretty enough and has some fine moments.

There is so much such sweet earnestness on display that it’s hard to dislike MPD and there are flourishes of real ability with highs of affecting sentiment. What detracts is a tentativeness which contributes to a somewhat amateurish feeling and a rawness in the production which may work well with the emotional content of the material, but leaves the overall product with a faint demo-esque air.

For now it’s a bit too inconsistent to be considered great but there is an abundance of talent waiting to be harnessed and directed to MPD’s strengths. Watch this space.