A late photo update from Mike Only, Jim Lockey and Mike Scott

Mike Scott ...and master of none

I am always very excited when Mike Scott releases something new, he is, in my opinion, one of the most important protest singers in the country. ‘…and a master of none’ does not disappoint. This latest EP shows a progression in Mike’s musical style and a general development in his solo music.

From the beautiful vocal balance within the opening track the feel of this EP is very different from previous efforts. The balance in the female vocal and Mike’s trademark snarling is a welcome change and adds an awesome dimension to the track. As the EP progresses there is a more mature feel to both lyrics and vocals, and unlike many artists this maturity has not been balanced out by a lack of passion.

Mike retains his snarling vocals that are delivered with passionate venom and has added a bittersweet element in parts. In many cases I hate covers but when it comes to Mike Scott I know he has very carefully chosen every cover, and chosen something relevant to the record. The version of Neil Diamond's much covered ‘Solitary man’ is delivered with tender emotion and shows a slightly softer side. The bitter vocal on ‘Extra Something’, which was originally recorded by Kevin Seconds, contrasts with the other cover perfectly.

Lyrically Mike continues to write in an honest intelligent fashion and considering the political nature of his lyrics, opinions are surprisingly balanced. I would say this EP is the most mature record Mike Scott has released to date and shows progression from the previous EP’s (which are all most definitely worth listening to) which makes me eager to hear a full length very soon.

You can listen to and download this EP at a price you choose (this can be nothing but should be hundreds) from Disconnect Disconnect Records HERE 

Mike Scott and Ben Childs Split EP

This is a record that got me truly excited both artists used to be in bands I was inspired by in my younger years (Mike sang for Phineaus Gage and Ben was one of the founding members of Sonic Boom Six) so to hear what their solo work sounded like was going to be a treat.

This excitement was not wasted as from the first few bars of  Ben’s opening track of the album you can tell you are going to be in for a treat. I was surprised to hear the large folk influence within Ben’s six tracks but it totally works the addition of violin and banjo in parts creates an authentic folk feel. This folk influence combines beautifully with elements of reggae, which mostly come through from distinctive vocals and political and personal lyrics.

This first half of the split is perfect for summer and the general cheery musical style suit Child’s voice superbly. There are moments of raw emotion, passion and completely danceable passages overall this is the perfect showcase for what this artist can and will continue to do. Each track flows faultlessly into the next making this piece of work incredible for both individual tracks and  as an entire record. 

If New-Folk is the future of alternative music expect Ben to be at the fore front of the genre as it develops. These are the first six songs to be released by Ben Childs and to be completely honest they blew me away with a mixture of surprise and pure joy. If this is to be the style that solo work keeps to I will very much look forward to hearing what’s next.

Ben’s half of the split is beautifully balanced out with the more pessimistic style of Mike Scott who presents acoustic punk rock in a passionate honest style. Mike’s snarling vocals are backed by raw acoustic guitar and occasional backing vocals. Mike’s lyrics are political throughout his six tracks, two of which are perfectly selected covers (The Connells  and Propaghandi). Mike’s observational lyrics are inspiring and depressing in equal measure, his reverse political analysis makes it impossible not to continue thinking after listening to each track.

The honesty projected through lyrics and Mikes voice create an enchanting six tracks that seem to float by in a matter of moments. The balance of songs is again near perfect showing an incredible amount of thought has gone into song selection, the track listing flows smoothly and creates a varying array of emotion throughout giving this EP a real sense of longevity.

Although Mike Scott has a completely different approach to acoustic music to that of Ban Childs this creates a split, which is a thing of beauty and wonder. The contrasted styles fit together beautifully and this record has been a regular on my CD player and Ipod in the last month or so and I can see it staying there for a long time. I can only recommend that you go and buy this record and support this countries DIY scene.