ANDY WHITE

Andy White [Alt CD]

Andy White has a rare gift – that of making sense both lyrically and melodically in equal measure. If, on occasion in the past, either production or arrangement has lessened the potential impact of his output then no such charge can be levelled, let alone made stick, this time around.

This is an album which shows White, now living in Switzerland, in a new, grown-up light. Sure, the Northern humour and playful cleverality is still there in the songs, but these are works of no little substance.

‘I Want It Straight’ is a case in point, a beautiful, piano-tinted elegy about the things we lose along the way, where, by contrast, ‘Little Boy’, an ode to his young son, is just laden with love. There’s also a quirky piece about the return of the Messiah – ‘Jesus Is A Cadillac’ – the mode of transport may be different, but White’s penchant for the lyrical curveball is never far away.

Which is reassuring. Because Andy White is a special case – deserving of our special attention. This is an album that will meet the most exacting scrutiny from both fan and casual listener alike make sure you hear it..

Oliver P. Sweeney