Wrapped up in books
Robert Edwards (aka The Library Trust) delivers book-ish whismy and twee indie pop galore on his intriguingly titled debut mini album 'The A to Z of Mathematics'. The album opens with the slight but crystalline gem 'Full of Science' a neat folk-pop affair that highlights both Edwards' nifty guitar playing and his ear for concise but effective musical arrangement. Things get progressively better with the fey and decidedly twee 'A Bruised Knee' which features the kind of twinkling synth effect that only like-minds 'The Boy Least Likely To' would consider deploying. The sumptuous 'My Town On TV' follows and it's a heart-warming beauty that's amongst the finest offerings here. 'A Picture Book' recalls the folk-y introspection of early I Am Kloot with its repeated acoustic guitar motif, minimal percussion and splashes of statuesque piano. A slightly angst-ridden affair that lyrically recalls The Field Mice at their peak; it's a sign that there's much more to The Library Trust than initially meets the eye. The ghostly 'Harbour' is the undoubted standout moment of a consistently solid set. "In a town full of secrets I've got my own / In a town full of headaches I grow old" intones Edwards with a near desperate world weariness and suburban dreamers across the land will surely lend a sympathetic ear to the author's plight. The sinister "A Shove In The Mouth" is perhaps even more disconcerting, its circling acoustic guitar riff off-set by mournful cello and eerie sound effects. Just as you think he's about to slide into a trough of gloomy depression Edwards slips into wistful balladeer mode for the short but sweet "Beyond Blue". The Library Trust save the best for last though with the slow-build beauty of 'As Broken As You Think' – the closing female spoken word section reminiscent of Belle and Sebastian's 'Me and the Major'.
'The A to Z of Mathematics' is an album to cherish on a cold autumn night, so wrap up warm, pop this on your stereo and allow yourself to fall in love with this record. If Edwards can maintain this quality across the course of a full length L.P. we could be looking at a new indie pop hero in the making.