Apparently, Dark Riders is singer/songwriter David Stockdale’s 4th studio album. Now, I’m going to be brutally honest, I’ve never heard of this guy, so this is my first experience with his music – and thank the man on the moon that it’s pleasurable one, because the album cover did have me worried for a second or two. Dark Riders, despite its gloomy title, is a rather chilled and slow-tempoed effort that never dares raise the flames of Hell – alternatively, it soothes even the most rotten of rock ‘n’ roll souls (such as mine) and lets you unwind with tranquil, acoustic-driven songs. Relatively simple, honest and bare, this is a folk-meets-pop album, with subtle groove, likeable melodies and introspective lyrics, which will be great company for that Sunday afternoon nap, or evening cigar and whiskey session – it isn’t an every day album, that’s for sure. David Stockdale’s Dark Riders might not make a huge dent on the musical landscape, but that doesn’t stop it from being a pleasurable and relaxing listen.