TOBY Jepson - the man behind Little Angels, voice of Gun for a time, and producer par excellence of The Answer's latest album New Horizon - has produced something of an acoustic masterpiece ahead of his winter solo tour, which sees him play The Diamond Rock Club on January 11th.
This six-track release is an absolute in-your-face demonstration of how the man can fill the space which too often is left with aural gaps on acoustic productions.
It is also a demonstration of a lyricist who has evolved, a lyricist who can tackle live issues, awkward discussions with a sensitive touch and a challenge to the mainstream.
Opener, and title track, Raising My Own Hell, sets the tone, with a dynamic mix and a clear statement of intent.
The most rounded and deeply impressive tracks are Patience of a Saint and Shoes. In the former a well-structured arrangement allows the vocals freedom to roam through a skeptics challenge to 'faith' and theism. While it is unusual to see a rock vocalist take on a topic such as this, it is handled with aplomb.
Shoes is a delicate yet up front take on the situation that anyone can find themselves in during these times of austerity. Painting in words a beggar who is a former soldier left scarred by the "brutal touch" of war is a notable point in a poignant ode.
Album closer 'Shadow Boxing' is a slightly off-beat take on Jepson's soundscape, with sax and a tangential at times arrangement throwing the listener briefly off step before they can appreciate the real groove and swing in the song. Available from Jepson's site as a free download, give yourself an aural treat before you buy this album.
The contrasts in this album are also highlighted in this song - while at times confrontational, it is also tender in just the right quantities.
Out now on Townsend Records it's six-tracks should be in every rock fans collection.
Jepson plays The Diamond Rock Club on January 11th. Jepson is also offering to answer fan questions they send in advance.
This six-track release is an absolute in-your-face demonstration of how the man can fill the space which too often is left with aural gaps on acoustic productions.
It is also a demonstration of a lyricist who has evolved, a lyricist who can tackle live issues, awkward discussions with a sensitive touch and a challenge to the mainstream.
Opener, and title track, Raising My Own Hell, sets the tone, with a dynamic mix and a clear statement of intent.
The most rounded and deeply impressive tracks are Patience of a Saint and Shoes. In the former a well-structured arrangement allows the vocals freedom to roam through a skeptics challenge to 'faith' and theism. While it is unusual to see a rock vocalist take on a topic such as this, it is handled with aplomb.
Shoes is a delicate yet up front take on the situation that anyone can find themselves in during these times of austerity. Painting in words a beggar who is a former soldier left scarred by the "brutal touch" of war is a notable point in a poignant ode.
Album closer 'Shadow Boxing' is a slightly off-beat take on Jepson's soundscape, with sax and a tangential at times arrangement throwing the listener briefly off step before they can appreciate the real groove and swing in the song. Available from Jepson's site as a free download, give yourself an aural treat before you buy this album.
The contrasts in this album are also highlighted in this song - while at times confrontational, it is also tender in just the right quantities.
Out now on Townsend Records it's six-tracks should be in every rock fans collection.
Jepson plays The Diamond Rock Club on January 11th. Jepson is also offering to answer fan questions they send in advance.
Authors: Jonny
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