aaamusic | On 23, Jan 2014

Singer songwriter Paul Handyside is the former front man to the ’80s indie band Hurrah! He blends Americana with contemporary and traditional folk which is reminiscent of Phil Ochs, Richard Hawley and Leonard Cohen.

His second solo album Wayward Son, released on 27^th January, 2014 by Malady Music and produced by Rob Tickell, is a well crafted album with articulate lyrics.

Opener ‘Glory Bound’,with a lively Sixties feel, is followed by the passionate ‘He Loves Her Now’ and tearful ‘Precious And Rare’ about love lost. In ‘When The Good Times Roll’ we learn of the pointlessness of war told by a World War One soldier in the trenches and ‘Passing Through’ reflects the ephemeral nature of life through the death of a loved one.  Soulful country song ‘Wayward Son” closes the album.

Paul Handyside has created an adult, mature and confident album filled with rootsy, individual music.  His songs are moving,intuitive and nostalgic, sincerely sung by a keen observer of human nature.

★★★★★

Anthony Weightman