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Album Review - Andy Skellam: ‘Brighten Up The Place’
‘Brighten Up The Place’ is the third studio album from Bristol-based alt-folk singer songwriter Andy Skellam.
Recorded predominantly using analogue studio techniques, the warm production beautifully complements the shimmering overtones of Andy’s unaffected arrangements. Furthermore, the dulcet yet husky timbre of his voice brings to life the vivid imagery of his thought-provoking lyrics.
Andy’s lyrics float like stormy clouds over his delicate guitar picking, covering an array of topics including parenthood, eco-anxiety and escapism. His unique turn of phrase and evocative lyricism invite the listener into his inner world, making it a great album to sit back and experience through the mind’s eye. The arrangements are predominantly understated, but delivered with elegance and precision. The subtle use of percussion helps to give these otherwise ethereal arrangements a healthy dose of momentum, and the call and response between Andy’s voice and the cello is a real highlight: creating a soothing, yet poignant musical dialogue.
Andy´s fans include Kate Stables of This is the Kit, who spoke very highly of this release.
‘Brighten Up The Place’ was released on the 8th February at The Jam Jar in Bristol, thanks to support from the Help Musicians Touring and Live Fund.
Andy is currently touring accompanied by a band consisting of Beth Porter (cello/back vox), Bill Frampton (double bass/bass/back vox) and Pete Warner (keys/drums/back vox).
Gentle and soothing, but not without moments of tension, ‘Brighten Up The Place’ is an emotionally captivating album with expertly delivered musicianship. I’d love to see how this translates to a live show!
www.pearolegs.com/artists/andy-skellam
