Song, by Toad

Andrew Taylor is a lovely fellow from Norwich. I discovered his music on myspace some time ago through his connection to another group called The Challenge of Feral Green, who toured with Catherine Feeny and Jacob Golden a year or so ago. I think they even came to Edinburgh. Anyhow, the pure grace of Andrew’s voice just floored me as soon as I heard it. It reminded me of someone then, and it still does, but I’ve thought and thought and I can’t put my finger on it. There’s a sweetness and reserve to the singing that calls to mind Iain Matthews and Plainsong in their more bucolic moments, or perhaps Red House Painters or Espers.

I don’t suggest that this music is re-writing the rules because it’s not. Nor do I think it was meant to. I suppose the songs fit into the English pastoral folk tradition, at least in terms of the melodies and song structure if not the lyrical content. But then again, what the hell do I know about the English pastoral folk tradition?  Fuck all, that’s what.  But I know what I like.  Let’s just say that this is pretty much just Andrew and a guitar, with some keyboard washes and effects thrown in for emphasis now and again, and it’s gorgeous. Plenty enough to be getting on with if you ask me.

After hearing his songs for a few days on myspace I decided to get in touch and make arrangements to buy his record, called “The Inside of a Mirror.” As it turns out, I am a wise wise man. And fortunately for the “listening public,” this record–which was actually recorded back in 2005 or thereabouts–has now become a bit easier to acquire because Andrew is selling them on his myspace for £10. The first two tracks posted here are from that record, and if after listening to them you can wipe away the tears and pull yourselves together long enough to type in your credit card number I strongly encourage you to do so.  Also, Andrew’s posted a splendid new song for download on his myspace–from an as yet unnamed “forthcoming album”–and I’ve taken the liberty of posting it here as well.  For those who want to dig deeper yet, I’ll just mention that Andrew is a prolific and versatile fellow, and that he’s recorded some very interesting acoustic electronica, both as a solo artist and as member of band called the24thofjune. Check them out.

Now go forth and do good.

Andrew Taylor – It’s Hot Enough
Andrew Taylor – Love Is Pain
Andrew Taylor – What We Were Looking For

MySpace (Buy the Album Here)