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Fans of Kristian Leontiou and Matchbox 20 may be interested in Ian Edwards, a talented singer-songwriter from Hastings, UK, who creates catchy, rock-tinged pop music with heartfelt intent.

His four-track demo showcases a mix of acoustic lamentations, piano melodies, sparse drumming and bass parts, accompanied by some sensitive lyrics that depict everyday life experiences. The tracks sound immediately familiar upon first hearing -- Edwards deliberately keeps things simple so that his listeners can tap their feet and easily sing along -- and the cynicism and intimacy in the lyrics is always pretty believable via his emotional vocal range.

'Giving It Over' and 'Reach For Our Lives' are probably the most accessible of the tracks: Both standard-bearers for Alternative Pop/Rock, which ingratiate Edwards' desired, catchy sound and establish even ground between the mainstream and counterculture fanbases. The other two tracks, however, are slow numbers that go a little deeper: The first being a personal reflection of isolation and detachment sung to a very intimate piano melody ('Surrounding Me'); and the second being an upbeat serenade fuelled with the anticipation of newfound love ('True').

If you like your music easily listenable, though without being overly sappy or cheesy, then keep your ears peeled for Ian Edwards' forthcoming debut EP, which is likely to feature the aforementioned tracks and more.

(C) Andy Carrington, 2010.