Ian Roland - Lodestone

You know you're listening to an Ian Roland song when the twelve string guitar rings out immediately. There's something about a twelve string, and this feeling is emulated lyrically within Lodestone, which speaks of music bringing growth, cohesion and a universal language with reference to the sound of church bells. It's something that unites us all; seen within our communities and families, the power of music to bring people together. Musically, the band around Ian also stick to this remit, working together to bring the listener a delight of instruments seamlessly woven together, ascending in the middle 8 to make the arrangement almost anthemic. When the chorus comes back in with layered Deacon Blue-esque harmonies it makes me take a deep breath and I feel my heart beating in my chest. A thing of beauty.