Andy Smythe - Leaves to Burn
The latest track by Andy Smythe, "Leaves to Burn," serves as a triumphant ode to the golden era of rock, seamlessly blending pop and calypso influences into a refreshing sonic journey. The song is a testament to Smythe's commitment to resurrecting the Brit-pop genre with a sound that harkens back to the glory days of rock music. From the opening chords, the walking basslines guide the listener through an upbeat rock and roll vibe that echoes the spirit of classic rock legends. The carefully crafted stereo field ensures that each instrument finds its space, allowing for a rich and immersive listening experience. The guitar solos, reminiscent of the 70s, showcase Smythe's virtuosity and pay homage to his influences like David Bowie, The Beatles, and The Who. The lyrical narrative of "Leaves to Burn" aligns seamlessly with Smythe's signature style, drawing inspiration from his 'inner world' in a Lennon/Bowie fashion. The song's thematic depth enhances its message, demonstrating the artist's dedication to thoughtful and innovative presentation. This track feels like a time-traveling capsule, fitting perfectly into the drama/noir genre of the 70s. Imagine "A Clockwork Orange," with its dystopian aesthetic, or "Taxi Driver," capturing the gritty urban landscape. The song's fusion of rock and calypso could also find a place in the indie music scene of that era, resonating with the experimental and boundary-pushing spirit. In conclusion, Andy Smythe's "Leaves to Burn" is a sonic journey that transports listeners to the heyday of rock, skillfully combining influences from various genres. With his rich musical background and commitment to a distinctive voice, Smythe continues to enchant and entertain, staying true to the essence of his craft.
Andy Smythe - Poetry in Exile
Singer-songwriter Andy Smythe has given us a fresh tapestry of songs to look through and experience in his latest album- Poetry in Exile. If unique was a music genre, Andy would be the president of it. He builds a concoction of genres like pop, retro and classical to give music that’s unlike anything out there. Naming the album Poet in Exile honestly gives the album so much imagery to listeners even before we hit that play button. And every bit of the song lives up to the expectations of having an album with a name that’s filled with so much gravity like this one. This Brit-pop legend is infamous for experimenting and giving his listeners only the best. Andy Smythe and the Ghost In The Machine Of course, his songs live up to the expectations, it is poetry at its finest. But there is an incredible amount of depth when we pay attention to the words. And his first song Ghost in The Machine, makes sure we know to pay attention to those lyrics. The track is every bit retro pop there is. This track begins with a goth-like tone, obviously, but the piano adds a soft touch to this eeriness. Usually, when we hear goth we think of an organ! An instrument that fills a room sonically and physically. Dear Landlord There is so much theatre and drama with the way Andy delivers his vocals and this element truly shines in Dear Landlord. This song honestly put a smile on my face, it is one of the more distinctively sounding songs on the album, in terms of delivery and playing with pace. The pace of this song sounds like speak-singing, similar to musical songwriting and performance. And perform he did. Judgement Day A song that particularly stuck with me was Judgement Day. For a song with such a heavy name, it sounds incredibly light and fluffy. Andy’s play with words and expectations is truly similar to Greek and Roman poets. He has the same ability to have us running in circles with the philosophy dished out so casually. Obviously, Andy has a lot more integrity and a lot less sexism in his writing. But much like the Greeks and philosophy, Andy plays with existentialism in the album. Adding layer after layer of meanings, even the sounds contributes to his question. He has captured beyond words. The notes zoom in their own fierce way, taking sharp turns and you are suddenly with the overwhelming feeling that is life. You bear the whole weight of it, which is such a contrast to how other songs in the album make you feel which is airy and light. This would work wonderfully on Wednesday. Andy Smythe continues to serve us more and more songs with complex world building and detailed production. A mark of a true artist if you ask me. You can check out his work in the links attached above.