Without doubt, one of the most highly anticipated return to these shores is that of Julian Taylor, a feeling that has only been exacerbated by the singles released heralding the release of his new album "Pathways". Such has been the impact on #TEAMw21 of Julian's appearance last year at The Water Rats and his career spanning anthology.
The latest single is "Ain't Life Strange", and despite even managing to include a horn section on this track the overriding audible sensation is that of space. Each instrument is given room to shine and comes through with crystal clear clarity. The opening of acoustic and electric guitars is joined by the most urgent insistent yet unobtrusive percussion ever. The horn section when it joins has a mournfully muted soulful sound while Julian himself with his rich timbre moves from almost spoken word to soulful maestro in a heartbeat.
The opening verse sees Julian despairing at what we are doing to the world and to each other - the cover picture looks like a combination of deforestation and acid rain with tree trunks bereft of foliage.
"Hiding away - from life and the constant struggles we face each day
Do we even know what we are doing to ourselves?
and how our actions affect everyone else?"
His solution is as hopeful as it is fanciful as he ponders being able to go back in time to try to fix things - normally the plot of catastrophic sci fi movies but here Julian's intentions are entirely benevolent.
"Don't you wish sometimes that time would stand still?
Do you ever wish that time travel was real?
Close your eyes - tell me what do you see?
If you're like me - you struggle with all you're meant to be
Ain't life strange?"
A later verse really enforces those feelings that if he could have his time again he could have done things differently.
"Don't the grass look greener on the other side
Be careful of what you wish for
You could get left behind
I see where I went wrong and all I could have done
There's a fine line between a broken and a beautiful mind"
Musically the drumming seems to increase the intensity while remaining in the background, the guitar flourishes have a Knopfleresque feel, while the horn section makes itself known with a polite "Excuse me" rather than blowing your socks off. A song that transfers it's warmth and leaves you feeling a little better than when it started 4 minutes earlier and gives food for thought about what you could do to make life a little better. That's no bad thing for a humble song to do.
The new album promises more than introspection over gentle melodies, for Julian can also hit a rock 'n' roll groove as he does with "Running Away". The version we hear is the first recorded take, with other later ones not having the same spark and it is easy to see why that may be. From the introductory sound of a drum kit being thwacked within an inch of it's life, through to the twin rock 'n' roll electric guitars, this track is brimming with energy. Julian has talked about "Running Away" as being "inspired by the blues music that came out of plantation fields.
It tells the story of someone burdened by what he has done or what he has seen and that is weighing heavy.
Julian's vocals have a distinct rock 'n' roll feel to them quite different from the other singles released previous and subsequently.
The opening verse outlines the overwhelming pressure he feels under
"It’s the heat of a new moment in a life that’s filled with so much pain
Only wish that I could get over everything
How am I supposed to handle all these scars etched in time?
Heaven seems to know that it’s only me to blame"
while the second paints a picture of a hard lived life, one that always seems to lead to death and misery.
"I’ve been part of true situations that only made me cry
Buried lots of friends of mine before I even hit twenty-nine
Only wish I had the chance to show others that I am not unkind
Even if I’m just a little jaded deep inside"
It all leads to a moment of repeated self reflection in the chorus
"Am I getting over it or am I just running away?"
If you do nothing else at the Long Road Festival make sure you see Julian Taylor