ANDY SMYTHE Hi Fi News Magazine
Quiet Revolution
Dreaming Element Records DER10
British singer-songwriter Smythe i s plying
a trade which seems old-fashioned but
which has exponents in every (rock) decade
from the 1960s to the present: the eclectic
singer-songwriter. This is his eighth release.
which explains the seasoned feel, but
there's a n anachronistic element, too. H e
deals with current societal issues (including
Al) in a pop/rock manner which reminded
m e o f Gerry Rafferty, XTC and Squeeze's
darker moments. His eclecticism i s also
evident in a n instrument lineup of saxes,
guitars, viola, violins, synths and more, all
beautifully layered. O n top of it all is an
engaging voice which in some places belies
the dread o f the subject matter. KK
Sound Quality: 90%

ANDY SMYTHE - REVIEW in BLUES MATTERS MAGAZINE

QUIET REVOLUTION

Dreaming Element Records

The eighth album by Londoner Andy Smythe contains a dozen stories highlighting the plight of modern living. “Solitary... poor... brutish” opener Life Of A Man demonstrates his descriptive songwriting. Kit Dellow-Jones’ trumpet and Paul Challenger’s guitar accompany Smythe as he delves into the day-to-day difficulties facing today’s generation – “filled with rage... sold down the river” in the so-called “promised land” whilst taking a pop at today’s music scene “rock n roll is sick and lame”. Smythe’s harmonica provides a bluesy element before he pleads for his heart to be saved throughout the upbeat, catchy Emergency. The urgency in his voice matching the intensity of the guitar break. Smythe’s acoustic guitar introduces Exodus whilst his Dylanesque harp and vocal tones create 60’s vibes in stark contrast to the layers of keys and electronic orchestration which progresses further throughout Tears Can Heal as strings, woodwind and percussion courtesy of Chris Payne provide a sonic soundscape. Smythe’s haunting vocals “wash away the rain” as strings “make rainbows”. Majestic stuff. Soaring Beatrice Limonti strings whip Love Ain’t Free into life, as Smythe subtly points out social injustices likening Brexit to a relationship breakup “another tax levied on the poor... Whatever happened to liberty and dignity”. Chris Payne’s instrumentation creates a moody, dark feel throughout Rage In Me as Smythe ‘paces like a lion in a cage’ whilst he anticipates the arrival of ‘the hangman’s noose’. The strings providing a sense of foreboding. In stark contrast That’s Why Love is sees Luke Montgomery’s uplifting sax provide a danceable touch whilst trumpet permeates Half Empty Half Full. Laced with Limonti strings and dramatic keys Sake Of A Song is the album’s ubiquitous ballad, Smythe highlighting the emotions experienced throughout the creation of a song. ‘Entangled like two photons’ - Delightful acoustic guitar intertwines with Limonti strings as Because further demonstrates the genius of Smythe’s creativity and his vocal prowess. Large, powerful and formidable – the definition of Leviathan. ‘There’s some magic yet to be revealed’ as Smythe throws a final curve ball in the form of ska into the mix. ‘We’re born unique from USA to Burkina Faso’ – Smythe most certainly lives up to that mantra as we finish with Fallen Angel which lambasts the selfishness of mankind. A unique album by a unique performer. Quiet Revolution most certainly deserves your attention.

TAF ROCK

‘Andy Smythe is one those musicians the world needs more of, the epitome of an unsung hero…. a distinctive voice, the performances, the melodies, the lyrics.  Andy bears watching and listening out for’ Jeremy Searle RnR magazine