- Music
- 29 Jan 15
Hudson Taylor - Singing For Strangers
IRISH BROTHERS MASTER ART OF ACCESSIBLE POP
Buskers will tell you the secret to success is playing something cheery that stops people in their tracks. Alfie and Harry Hudson Taylor cut their teeth singing for strangers, and it shows. At first listen, this is an album to bring new meaning to ‘happy slapping’. It’s unapologetically energetic, the musical equivalent of a high-school cheerleader. Even when it’s not necessarily upbeat in theme, it’s still up-tempo and uplifting.
Delve a little below the surface, though, and there’s genuine substance. From opener ‘Just A Thought’, through ‘Butterflies’ and lead single ‘Chasing Rubies’, it’s clear that the brothers are staking a claim as both radio mainstays and festival favourites. Writing great accessible pop is an art in itself, and one they’ve mastered with aplomb. ‘For The Last Time’ sees things slow down, and consequently wobble a little; an indicator of what a good job is done elsewhere on the record.
There’s a keen understanding of dynamics: ‘Battles’ and ‘World Without You’ bring to mind the foot stomping alt-folk of Mumford & Sons. The lyrics can be simplistic – as on ‘Night Before The Morning After’ – but it would be arch to suggest this is a fatal flaw. Hudson Taylor have produced a record that is made for radio. There’s lots to suggest it will be worthwhile continuing to listen...
RELATED
- Music
- 04 Jul 25
Woody Guthrie lost recordings to be released for the first time
- Music
- 04 Jul 25
Album Review: Kesha, . (Period)
RELATED
- Music
- 04 Jul 25
20 years ago today: Sufjan Stevens released Illinois
- Music
- 04 Jul 25
Album Review: Kae Tempest, Self Titled
- Music
- 04 Jul 25
Album Review: Horslips – At the BBC
- Music
- 02 Jul 25
Foo Fighters commemorate 30th anniversary with new single
- Music
- 02 Jul 25