You are hereAlbum Review: Andy Steele - Night Fishing (Talking Elephant)
Album Review: Andy Steele - Night Fishing (Talking Elephant)
Sounding in places like early Tim Buckley, whilst in others like John Tams (imagine that), Cheshire-born Andy Steele creates a breezy atmosphere with the songs on this album; the arrangements seemingly acknowledging more than a passing nod to retro-folk, whilst maintaining a thoroughly contemporary feel throughout. Co-produced by Jez Wing (Echo & the Bunnymen), NIGHT FISHING follows two contrasting albums, LAND AND SEA (2006) under the guise of Muddyhead and TRUE BELIEVERS AND THE GUISES OF THE WEASEL (2007), leaning much more towards a rootsy sound than previously.
Opening with On Kentish Ground, a song that is guaranteed to put a spring in your step, the ten songs and one instrumental maintain a strong melody focus throughout. Don't be surprised if you catch yourself whistling some of this stuff afterwards. Having said that, the lone piano instrumental Time to Run might have you inadvertently straying into Oops! I Did It Again territory if you're not careful.
Recorded in various places outside of the normal confines of the studio, such as hallways and kitchens, the songs are bathed in a natural sound, utilising the right instrumentation at the right time. Those flurries of intuitive instrumentation are supplied by Jez Wing on piano, John Dowling on banjo, Roy Allum on drums, John Bennett on guitar, Hannah Peel on fiddle, Helen Maher on accordion and Russ Williams on double bass.
Allan Wilkinson
Northern Sky
