After wading through videos of 'Hey Ya' covers, I stumbled across Hugo Meredith-Hardy's page. Rather impressed, I took interest and delved deeper into his youtube account which subsequently led me to this Cambridge A2 college student's independently recorded EP. Best thing I've done in a while. Not knowing barely anything about him, I felt just a sudden NEED to write this review on his six track EP.
Drawing influence from Laura Marling among other acoustic musicians Meredith-Hardy's artist stimulus is evident. Even without 'big band production' the atmosphere created is of similar calibre. Tracks such as 'Tedium (In my bones)' resonate something from The Zutons' earlier work with haunting yet brilliant distant backing vocals, quick shuffle drums along with a funk like bassline ring nostalgic vibes.
Other tracks include 'Pickpocket' It's down tempo muted acoustic riffs ring well in the track along with the incorporation of Noel Gallagher like guitar solos. Lyrics referring to a 'pickpocket living under your feet' who 'holds no sympathy // just does what must be done."
I went through a stage of frustration when I first heard this EP wondering why he hadn't received as much as attention as he deserved and without sounding like a 52 year old talent show judge, this is brilliant. A very refreshing out look on acoustic music as he strays away from the normal and mundane acoustic vibe and it damn well works.
Daniel Mburu - June 2012
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