Song, by Toad

When I last wrote about the fabulous Art Pedro it was on the back of a quite brilliant Picket Fence release called A Surprising Return to Form.  This terrific little CD wa… actually, CDs are all the same size aren’t they.  Well, most of them.  Well it was short.  And very good.  It’s a little box of tricks actually; eccentric, playful and hugely enjoyable – one of my favourite records of the year so far.

Well his follow up and first proper album Here’s to Everyone I’ve Wounded is less unpredictable, focussing instead on the more melancholy, introverted aspects of his songwriting.  Although the pace and subject matter are slightly narrower this time around, the unusual, slightly atonal delivery remains the same.  It may take some getting used to, especially the slightly furry quality of his voice, but once you do it’s a genuine pleasure.

Some of the lyrics are so personal and alienated it can be a slightly difficult listen at times, feeling like a bit of a confessional or even like a bit of a torrent of dislocated anguish from someone who sits just slightly at odds with the modern world.  Musically the discordant beeps and drones that accompany the gentle guitar and gorgeous droplets of piano frequently serve to heighten the slight sense of unease, but nevertheless it is an intimate and often comforting record.

He’s an odd ‘un, Arthur Pedro, but he has rather surprisingly produced a couple of genuine left field gems this year, out of absolutely nowhere.  I do admit, I rather miss some of the instrumental jauntiness of the first release, but this is still a splendid album.

Art Pedro – You’re (Not) Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone
Art Pedro – Leave Me Alone
Art Pedro – You Smell Nice

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