Rob's songs truly are extensions of his personality. The three songs he chose to record for this album embody the same intelligence, humour and curious confessional nature that are immediately apparent when you sit down to share a pint with him. Mo & Bob Macauley had often rhapsodised to both Erica and I of Rob's performances at the Horseshoe Inn and when we finally saw him play we fully understood their enthusiasm.
... I've seen him silence an audience far too many times to consider him anything less than a true songsmith.
Rob Dunsford's 'Millionaire' sounds inordinately like Liam Dullaghan's band The Have-Nots in the bittersweet blend of male and female vocals, but it's the slightly fuller sound of 'Dashboard Therapy', helped immensely by the accordion, which really catches my attention. There's someone else in there who he reminds me of a little, it may well be Rob from The Voluntary Butler Scheme, but that'll come to me in time. It's not as if I won't be listening to these tracks again, as a quick look at last.fm will tell you!
He has written a love song that will make all other love songs curtsy in its presence, plus a whole bunch of other fantastic tunes... a very talented song writer!
Rob Dunsford was next, this time augmented by accordion & female backing vocal & won me over with this approach ... The melancholic 'Millionaire' showcases his velvety voice perfectly, and in 'Dashboard Therapy' ("We drive all night & sleep all day" – as a friend observed, "How very nocturnal of you"), he has one of the day's & albums highlights. Rob again has played at The Horseshoe many times & I most certainly look forward to catching him again soon (if he sticks around the area long enough, that is – please do, Rob).
Rob Dunsford's 'Dashboard Therapy' - song of the year for me.
Soft voiced Scottish born Rob Dunsford cites Thompson and Martyn as prime influences and writes playful confessional songs that underline his traditional folk and blues inclinations, Don't Go To The Other Side of the World revealing a spry sense of humour and Dashboard Therapy borrowing its tune from Froggy Went A Courting.
Rob Dunsford has possibly written two of the best songs I've ever heard, a friend of mine & quite possibly a genius, his songs "Don't Go To The Otherside of The World" (with the amazing line "You know that you've got problems when a girl puts an entire planet inbetween her & you") and "Dashboard Therapy" (which now makes entire venues stop, stare, tap along & even sing along) are going to make him a lot bigger at festivals in the summer, with help from Eric Heath on the Accordian/Melodeon he is just a down-to-earth kinda guy playing his guitar & singing about his life, make sure you check him out....