The Bunkhouse, Vol. 1: Anchor Black Tattoo
by Fionn Regan
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
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  1. Mojo
    Feb 21, 2013
    80
    Lucinda Williams has labelled Regan "his generation's answer to Bob Dylan," and on this evidence, that doesn't feel like hyperbole. [Feb 2013, p.90]
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  2. Q Magazine
    Feb 21, 2013
    80
    Intimately compelling, from his first strum to last breath, Regan passes the acid test of songmanship; all 10 are perfect as they are. [Feb 2013, p.109]
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  3. The Guardian
    Feb 21, 2013
    80
    The 10 songs last barely 25 minutes, but in that pared-back simplicity every melody and bass thrum and poetic image counts.
  5. Uncut
    Feb 21, 2013
    80
    These nine brief songs weave together to create a bewitching, moonlit spell. [Feb 2013, p.78]
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  6. The Line of Best Fit
    Feb 21, 2013
    80
    With just a mere 26 minutes forming its contents, you’re left wanting to know more. On the other hand, it’s the short, creative simplicity of The Bunkhouse Vol. I: Anchor Black Tattoo that makes it so special.
  7. The Observer (UK)
    Feb 21, 2013
    80
    The record is beautiful but brief at 26 minutes; roll on Vol II.
  8. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    Feb 21, 2013
    80
    If you’re looking for something heartwarming in the short term or an album to warm cold nights, give The Bunkhouse Vol 1: Anchor Black Tattoo a go, however here’s hoping that the second volume of The Bunkhouse holds something a little more defined and innovative.
  9. musicOMH.com
    Feb 21, 2013
    70
    This album shows that simple can indeed be effective. Regan simultaneously covers a lot of topical ground whilst using a finite number of musical resources.
  10. DIY Magazine
    Feb 21, 2013
    70
    It's rich, vivid, and occasionally odd enough to give you a start.
  11. Clash Music
    Feb 21, 2013
    70
    Fionn’s great rocking out and full of energy, but here, just voice and guitar for most, he’s just so listenable.
  12. Drowned In Sound
    Feb 21, 2013
    70
    As an observer however it’s tempting to shoo him away awhile into the redwood forests, just long enough that he might wrestle with something a little meatier, a work as gently heartbreaking as it is cerebrally seductive.
  13. New Musical Express (NME)
    Feb 21, 2013
    50
    Lyrically there are a few choice morsels (for example: “Cat fight, swollen lip/Hair caught in the teeth of your zip”), but taken as a whole it leaves a taste of saccharine.

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User Score
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No user score yet- Awaiting 3 more ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. Ricko
    Mar 1, 2013
    8
    I'm a big big fan of this guy a really talented song writer who stands out by miles in a market flooded with singer songwriters. Anyone intoI'm a big big fan of this guy a really talented song writer who stands out by miles in a market flooded with singer songwriters. Anyone into good songwriting needs to check him out. This latest offering is Fionn Regan stripped down to the bare bones -there is literally no production going on here. I thought his last effort "100 Acres of Sycamore", while having some great songs, had a little bit too much going on at times. I wouldn't have called bloated but by this guys standards it probably was. This is the polar opposite, but it proves to be a clever move as the quality of songs speak for themselves, both musically and lyrically. 67 Blackout is my own personal favourite. The only quibble I have is the 10 tracks finish in under a half hour, so you feel little bit short changed.… Full Review »