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Generally Speaking Records [Release date 09.04.21]
Pianist, bassist, vocalist and songwriter Andy McMaster is a name best known as (alongside bassist, guitarist and vocalist Nick Garvey) a founder member of The Motors, a band who mixed pub rock and rock’n’roll with new wave pop, writing some fine songs along the way. Dancing The Night Away, Forget About You and McMaster’s classic Airport all remain wonderful listens to this day. The duo met while playing with Ducks Deluxe, and McMaster already had some well written songs behind him.
This album is Andy’s second solo affair and is further proof (if you ever needed any) that McMaster crafts a fine tune, whatever the style or subject matter. The album is catchy from the opening track, a hint of rock’n’roll in Road To Montgomery, and a roughness to the vocals that hints of 70s Rod Stewart. Some nice brass adds to the feel, the production matching the song writing. Then Impossible Is Nothing, which is more whimsical, a ballad inspired by Muhammad Ali. In contrast is Au Revoir Trustesse, a Chopin inspired song about loneliness, and the greatness of joy, sad start that then picks up.
Jerusalem, a track about unholiness in the Holy Land, showcases how good the song writing is as each song so far inspires a different emotion. The odd minor chord goes a long way.
Hysteria is a stand out track, a wry look at current events, in places a little edgy and reminiscent of moments on Tenement Steps, The Motors’ third and final album.
The album closes with When Germany Was Bad, a reggae inspired song with some great social commentary.
The album takes its name from sound engineer Ray Davis who, after a heavy night, would be “On the water”. And when he succumbed to his ill health, the album was a couple of tracks short, so two of the 12 tracks here (Another Politician No Joy and Hard Drugs) were recorded in the mid 80s, and they fit in perfectly here.
The album is co-produced with Lynton Guest, formerly of Love Affair.
There are some fine rockier moments here, but the album is more about just a decent song, structure, melody and lyrics.
Thoroughly enjoyable. ****
Review by Joe Geesin
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