Writing on the WallXtra Mile Recordings ***

Beans on Toast is a one-man- band unit of rough-hewed distinction. Think Chas Dave raised on a diet of Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, or even Seasick Steve on an even keel. Billy Bragg is an obvious influence as well. In other words, there are marked levels of social conscience behind songs as basic as Oil, Old Grunge, Left My Heart on the M25, Travel Back in Time Danceand A Real Life Country Song. Behind the croaky, battered-guitar delivery lies a folk singer-songwriter whose world view is measured as much by the headline news as by what he reads between the lines. It's certainly an acquired taste, and it's possibly too much on the grating side for those whose idea of contemporary folk is David Gray or James Blunt. But for those who value a wilful reality check now and again, Beans on Toast is your one and only man. See myspace.com/sexdrugspolitics

Download tracks: Old Grunge, Travel Back in Time Dance