10 years. That’s how long I’ve been writing this
blog. 10 ruddy years. Lord knows how many acts I’ve seen in that time but, for
a while at least, a gig a week wasn’t uncommon and once or twice I even hit the
dizzy heights of four in a row. I know...hardcore eh?
Anyway, way back in 2006 when I was a fresh faced 36
year old (ahem) one of the first bands I reviewed and got behind were The
Foxes, purveyors of classic English pop who bravely gave up their ‘proper’ jobs
in a bold attempt to make it in the evil old music biz without the aid of a
net...or label. They had the tunes. They had the energy. But, and this is
something that’s all too familiar sadly, they simply didn’t have the luck that
springs some bands to fame and fortune and denies others the success they
deserve.
But now the band’s lead singer, Nigel Thomas, is
back, back, back with a brand new solo album that’s a winning mix of indie rock
and more stripped back folkier stuff. Opening number Fever’s all old school
Hammond organ, stabbing guitar and white boy blues, Ghost Hunter adds a little
skank swing to affairs and the album’s title track features some gloriously
dirty guitar solos. The mellower material’s just as strong, in particular the
folk tinged 5476 Miles and the lullaby lilt of Que Sera (shades of Lennon at
his most loved up and blessed out solo best).
Recorded and mixed by Luke Oldfield (before you ask, yes, Mike’s
son) it’s an accomplished collection of songs from a man whose
own musical journey has hopefully only just begun.
Physical copies (CD and Vinyl!) of Travelling Man
are available right here. It’s also available via Amazon and iTunes.
No comments:
Post a Comment