6/10

As is tradition, singer-songwriter Jay McAllister aka Beans On Toast sets out once a year to release a new studio album on his birthday, 1st December. And with that date fast approaching, the irreverent folk singer is due to deliver his seventh full-length effort filled with the usual quaint storytelling the frontman is best known for.

While his brand of narrative driven rebellion in the folk scene was first popularised by the likes of Frank Turner in the mid 00s, unlike Turner, McAllister has stuck to his principles and effectively changes nothing but the pop culture references. This new record is just like the last one, and the one before that, but really he doesn't need to change or develop as an artist because his fans love him just the way he is and the longer he continues on this happy-go-lucky path, the better.

And while it may be more of the same from Beans On Toast, there is no harm in doing what you do best and do it well. A fun and enjoyable release that will no doubt become another annual tradition for his devout following.