This is a review of "Moonlight and Magnolias" recorded by Lewis J. Smith. The review was written by Sian Goodwin in 2013.

After recently releasing his first EP 'Moonlight and Magnolias' in August 2013, 21 year old singer-song writer Lewis J. Smith has taken the folk world by a storm. Leeds born Lewis successfully funded a campaign to produce this EP and with the help of generous donations from fans and sheer determination, he managed to double the initial target.

His five track collection guides the listener through a whole spectrum of moods, all containing the deep-rooted traditional storytelling style, equipped with thoughtful lyrics and acoustic blues that got him airplay on BBC Radio this year. Citing influences from the likes of Iron and Wine, Gillian Welch and The National, he has been described as having a 'Faulknerian undercurrent', although personally I'm not sure he is yet at that level, he is definitely on his way.

The array of instruments can be heard extensively within the five track collection, creating new inspirational sounds that are simply beautiful to listen to. It's the combination of lyrics and melodic subtlety that have set Lewis up for a busy end to 2013, with a continuation of live shows throughout the UK.