Over 13 tracks, ‘Son of the Smith’ – the debut album from rising folk-punk star Sean McGowan – is disarming in its scope, surprising in its erudite tackling of life’s challenges, and strong of voice with just a dab of laddish humour – the aural personification of Sean himself. McGowan could end up soundtracking our social conscience well into next year. The first single taken from the album is ‘Off the Rails’, which sears along with an e-bow guitar drone thrumming underneath while Sean gives the lyrical equivalent of an arm around the shoulder and kiss on the cheek of his mates for being there for him. As a glimpse into ‘Son of the Smith’, it captures his band absolutely ploughing through the parts he wrote for them. In that spirit, ‘Son of the Smith’ captures everything live. Recording at SS2 Studios in Southend with labelmate Sam Duckworth (AKA Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.) and Jay Malhotra, drums were done without a click-track, each instrument colliding with the rhythm. “It feels urgent, like it could tip over the edge at any point,” Sean says. Sean has a huge year lined up in support of the album. Ending 2016 supporting Billy Bragg through the UK he began the year touring with labelmate Will Varley. March sees him head back to his roots in Ireland for a short tour there, before joining up with Will Varley again for a European run in April. Coinciding with the album release he will play a short headline tour throughout May as well as joining Frank Turner for a main stage