Kate Nash, but male, and with banjos
Following an impressive two disk 50 track debut album, Beans on Toast has released this 30 minute, 10 track album in celebration of his 30th birthday. Entitled "Writing on the Wall" it's an easy flowing, modern, yet thoroughly retro work spinning tales of drugs, love and friendship.
As a highly vocal non-fan of that Kate Nash school of vocals as soon as track one "artmoneyart" opened I sighed in resignation that I was going to be struggling to get through this one. BUT, as the song and indeed the album goes along I get a really pleasant surprise; despite the vocals it's really good music!
The lyrics are humorous, wry and wittily observed and the core style of the majority of the music is stripped down, Dust Bowl America era folksy country music. The harmonicas and banjos are used to great effect, especially in track three 'Foolish, Wild + Forgetful' which sees a move into a Tom Waits style of gravelly, scummy vocals. 'Bon Voyage' also echoes this vocal style but the mood is slower and more languid. The accordion accompaniment perfectly matches the theme of the track (requesting to go to Paris for the weekend) as it gives it a wonderfully oldie world French feel.
Track four 'Old Grunge' is an ode to the 90s music scene. For me this track is the standout example of the lyrical skill which is evident in all the tracks. As with most of the songs it's a short, sharp burst of energetic melodies which still maintains its retro effect despite a modern theme.
The opening of 'Methadrone' is pared down; purely vocal and accompanied by acoustic guitar which is still effective. It's seamlessly mixed into a fuller 'hoe-down' violin led melodic arrangement which is a great way of showing that the listener doesn't miss out but not always having such a full array of instruments on offer. However, having such a full and varied instrumental background does make this a richly layered and textured album full of surprises and variations which makes each track a pleasure to listen to.
However, as a warning, I would say this album could be a bit of a Marmite deal – you'll probably love it or hate it. I couldn't believe I could get over my aversion to the vocal style but with the quality of the music behind that on offer it wasn't difficult. I say give me a tambourine and let me join him on stage because played live I think this album would be a riot.