Toby and the Whole Truth – Look Out! Vol.1
That this introduction to Look Out! Vol.1, the first solo release in eleven years from singer-songwriter and Wayward Sons frontman Toby Jepson, is almost as long as the review itself may seem curious (especially as this is a mini-album of only 6 tracks); but it’s merited.
The multi-disciplined Jepson (record producer, Planet Rock Radio presenter, screenwriter and more) has always had an openness and honesty within his music/ lyrics.
Indeed, that this album is credited to Toby and the Whole Truth (the name carried by 1995 album Ignorance Is Bliss; his first release after the split of acclaimed but relatively short-lived rock band Little Angels) points to just such traits.
But on Look Out! he has never been more open, honest, or personal, with themes revolving around mental health, school (and later life) bullying (something Jepson only recently sought help for), and forgiveness.
The album’s focus, however, and indeed it’s title, is on recovery (Look Out! has further meanings here – a place to look out from and observe; looking out for oneself; looking and searching for, the truth).
Having re-energised after his own recovery, Toby Jepson hit a creative and fully focussed songwriting period that resulted in what will be a 20 track solo offering across three volumes, starting with Vol 1.
Following Jepson’s own audio introduction and sign-off call of "Let’s boogie!" Look Out! Vol.1 does just that with 'Alone With You.'
Mixing classic rock riffage with tried, tested and ridiculously infectious Trademark Toby hard rockin' heavy pop hookiness, 'Alone With You' is bolstered by some short solo bursts from lead guitarist Jason Barwick (other featured performers on the album include Jepson's right-hand man Dave Kemp (saxophone, keys, co-arranger), Matthew Eldridge (drums) Chris Blanden (bass, cello) and Wayward Sons bandmate Sam Wood on additional guitars).
Lyrically, the song relates directly to the importance of being with those that matter, or love ("It’s amazing what you do, when I’m alone with you!").
'Sweet Smell Of Success' which follows, is a staccato sharp, upbeat slice of northern soul that comes complete with horns section and, again, a great pop-rock chorus.
"What a ride!" declares Toby Jepson. And for those that have flown that high, it probably was.
Adding a different dynamic is the mid-tempo sway of 'What Will It Take,' which nods, more than a little, in homage and influence, to old-school R&B balladeering.
A short (sub three minutes) string backed rock waltz, the song swings as strongly as the lyric stings ("lock me up alone, throw out the key; company don’t need this misery; all I’ve got is what you left me").
The pop-punk side of Toby Jepson then steps up in the shape of the rapid fire 'Throw It Away,' which manages to balance heavy pop-sheen with a darker intensity.
Further contrast is provided by the horns backed, lighter soul-pop of 'One Track Mind,' which carries a funky little vibe and subtle use of Hammond.
Vol.1 closes out on the two-minutes and change country-folk pop number (danger: banjo alert) 'The One Turns Out The Light,' which carries the most endearing charm within its future lyrical finality ("I’m the one whose earned the right, the one tuns out the light and yeah, I wanna know – can I be beside you till the end, your lover and your friend").
These six tracks may showcase the personal side of Toby Jepson, but there is no questioning their universal and somewhat eclectic appeal.
As importantly, on the strength of Vol.1, he’s well on his way to delivering his best work to date – and that’s the Whole Truth of the matter.
Ross Muir
FabricationsHQ
The multi-disciplined Jepson (record producer, Planet Rock Radio presenter, screenwriter and more) has always had an openness and honesty within his music/ lyrics.
Indeed, that this album is credited to Toby and the Whole Truth (the name carried by 1995 album Ignorance Is Bliss; his first release after the split of acclaimed but relatively short-lived rock band Little Angels) points to just such traits.
But on Look Out! he has never been more open, honest, or personal, with themes revolving around mental health, school (and later life) bullying (something Jepson only recently sought help for), and forgiveness.
The album’s focus, however, and indeed it’s title, is on recovery (Look Out! has further meanings here – a place to look out from and observe; looking out for oneself; looking and searching for, the truth).
Having re-energised after his own recovery, Toby Jepson hit a creative and fully focussed songwriting period that resulted in what will be a 20 track solo offering across three volumes, starting with Vol 1.
Following Jepson’s own audio introduction and sign-off call of "Let’s boogie!" Look Out! Vol.1 does just that with 'Alone With You.'
Mixing classic rock riffage with tried, tested and ridiculously infectious Trademark Toby hard rockin' heavy pop hookiness, 'Alone With You' is bolstered by some short solo bursts from lead guitarist Jason Barwick (other featured performers on the album include Jepson's right-hand man Dave Kemp (saxophone, keys, co-arranger), Matthew Eldridge (drums) Chris Blanden (bass, cello) and Wayward Sons bandmate Sam Wood on additional guitars).
Lyrically, the song relates directly to the importance of being with those that matter, or love ("It’s amazing what you do, when I’m alone with you!").
'Sweet Smell Of Success' which follows, is a staccato sharp, upbeat slice of northern soul that comes complete with horns section and, again, a great pop-rock chorus.
"What a ride!" declares Toby Jepson. And for those that have flown that high, it probably was.
Adding a different dynamic is the mid-tempo sway of 'What Will It Take,' which nods, more than a little, in homage and influence, to old-school R&B balladeering.
A short (sub three minutes) string backed rock waltz, the song swings as strongly as the lyric stings ("lock me up alone, throw out the key; company don’t need this misery; all I’ve got is what you left me").
The pop-punk side of Toby Jepson then steps up in the shape of the rapid fire 'Throw It Away,' which manages to balance heavy pop-sheen with a darker intensity.
Further contrast is provided by the horns backed, lighter soul-pop of 'One Track Mind,' which carries a funky little vibe and subtle use of Hammond.
Vol.1 closes out on the two-minutes and change country-folk pop number (danger: banjo alert) 'The One Turns Out The Light,' which carries the most endearing charm within its future lyrical finality ("I’m the one whose earned the right, the one tuns out the light and yeah, I wanna know – can I be beside you till the end, your lover and your friend").
These six tracks may showcase the personal side of Toby Jepson, but there is no questioning their universal and somewhat eclectic appeal.
As importantly, on the strength of Vol.1, he’s well on his way to delivering his best work to date – and that’s the Whole Truth of the matter.
Ross Muir
FabricationsHQ