This record comes to us courtesy of Andy Partridge's indie label Ape Records. As an A & R man, Partridge obviously looks for those virtues that his band XTC championed – melody lines with the grace and movement of a well-designed city skyline, lyrics that are poetic but playful, and a generous helping of very English eccentricity.
He's found all this and more in the Milk & Honey Band. Led by singer-songwriter Robert White, they've been making albums since the early ‘90s. I know I'll soon have to investigate their back catalog, because after a week of spinning Dog Eared Moonlight, I've fallen in love with this group.
The ten-song cycle loosely follows the arc of a relationship.The first three words of the record, “It's just you,” are immediately captivating, inviting the listener inside this cozy cocoon that feels like an April evening in the English countryside. With fingerpicked guitars and flutes whirling around White's intimate voice, it's all about languishing in romantic contentment. The driving acoustic “Incredible Visions” and Beatle-esque “Waste Of Time” round out the honeymoon sentiment, with White confessing that “you're my perfect waste of time.”
But disenchantment and moments of isolation creep in on “Absolutely Wrong” and the wistful, Nashville-flavored “No World At All.” By the time of the “tears and fractures” of “Disappear” and the tender resignation of “Cut The Line,” you can feel that inevitable heartbreak just around the corner.
Of course, following this love-to-loneliness lyrical journey is just one way to listen to this album. You can also enjoy it purely for its melodies, arrangements and just the glorious gestalt of it all. I'm not sure how it was recorded, but it has a warmth and woodiness that puts me in mind of 1968, that musical year which saw the release of, among others, the White Album, Village Green Preservation Society and Odessey & Oracle.
If you need further milking and honeying, check out “Maryfaith Autumn,” which pretty much captures everything great about English pop in three minutes – a winding ribbon of quirky melody wrapped in pastoral harmonies, strings and woodwinds. It's like the Zombies meet Jethro Tull in Ray Davies' living room.
On the strength of this lovely record, I'll be eager to see what's coming down the pike from Partridge's upstart label.
Bill DeMain
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Out now in record shops across Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the U.S.A.
'a masterclass in classy songwriting' INDEPENDENT
'everyman pop that's due an everyman audience' RECORD COLLECTOR
'wonderful, gorgeous English styled jangle. Highly recommended' POWERPOPAHOLIC.COM
'one of our favourite albums of the year so far' MAGNET USA
'elegant, intelligent music... a must-read for your ears' CRAWDADDY USA
'the album's warmth will win you over' FIRE NOTE
'downright gorgeous... smart, heartfelt pop tunes' THE BIG TAKEOVER USA
'this is great rainy day music' ABSOLUTEPOWERPOP.COM
'simple, effective, just right. It's a perfect piece of pop' BLOGCRITICS - TOM JOHNSON
'creamy, heartbroken harmonies and guitars, grooves with an airy melancholy and punchy warm pop' STEREOGUM USA
'this is one sweetly smart pop-rock set' BLOGCRITICS - BILL SHERMAN
'a gorgeous and emotive brand of Pop that is baroque and jazzy and joyous and melancholy' CITYBEAT.COM
'a treat - mellow, crafted and as English as tea, toast and rain. Wonderful' CLASSIC ROCK
'dark, thoughtful, tough and tender.. just plain gorgeous' ROCK'N'REEL
'grown-up pop, recalling the days when albums were albums' SUNDAY TIMES
'10 songs of finely wrought, melodic English rock' Q
'bright, sophisticated, immaculately arranged acoustic-rock' FINANCIAL TIMES
'Maryfaith Autumn sounds like Coldplay waltzing with Michael Nyman... 'No World At All' sounds like Thom Yorke at the Grand Ole Opry' UNCUT
'pick up this album and see if it doesn't make you an instant fan' GRAVE CONCERNS EZINE
'great band with a bagful of great songs' LATEST
To see the new video for 'Maryfaith Autumn' as featured on Magnet U.S.A.
Hello and thanks for the "friendship", as well as some really amazing music!
I find your work really inspiring, there's not a bad song among the ones you have posted, the vocals are warm and inviting, the playing and production are top notch and the songwriting is unique and sophisticated.
Also really want to thank you for taking the time to listen to my tracks, really glad you liked them, I should have more new ones fairly soon (takes a long time when you do everything yourself).
Anyway, truly want to wish you the best in all things. -Sheriden
PS -Hope you don't mind me posting my logo (I did create it myself, if that makes it any better), feel free to post on my page anytime, with pics, videos, or whatever.
Hello guys - hope you are all keeping well. Still loving the album! We've finally managed to put a new one up on our site so hope you like it. Thanks again and take care.
Hello we're fans of your style and xtc as well. Our songs may sound very differently but our influences are the same.Come in our Candy Store to get some sweets...
Nice set at the Albert. Now a plug for free music on 16 May in Brighton at the Moulsecoomb Family Fun Day in the Wild Park Lewes Road. Between 12 and 3.30 it includes DJCaptain Bob, Jack & The Candlesticks and Los Albertos.
Dear Bob and all When I hear Flowers it makes me think of sunroof open singing at the top of my voice. Thanks for your thoughtful comments, it gave me such a boost. I really appreciated them. All the very best.
great new release and playing "Maryfaith Autumn" Saturday 2-4PM UK time on wrir.org. It's been awhile but I've played your stuff before and this new release is fantastic!
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