Andy Shauf's new album, The Bearer of Bad News, holds a great depth to its tracks. There are quiet moments of reflection, as well as more 'indie' based pop tracks.

The album was meticulously written over four years, and recorded throughout one in a makeshift studio set up in his parent’s basement, Shauf plays nearly every instrument on the album. The songs were crafted on his grandfather’s timeworn guitar and heavily influenced by his latest instrument, the clarinet, which was a Christmas gift from family.

The album opens and closes on the only tracks that brought to mind other songs. 'Hometown Hero' reminded me, in places, of 'Jingle Bell Rock', whilst the closing tracks, 'My Dear Helen', briefly brought to mind Barry Manilow's 'Mandy'.

Highlights across this album's 11 songs (44 min, 05 sec) include 'Drink My Rivers'; 'Wendell Walker' (which is an account of adultery and betrayal - one of three cinematic murder ballads on the album); 'The Man On Stage'; and 'Jesus, She's A Good Girl'.

It's an impressive album, made even more remarkable when you consider that Shauf plays almost every instrument on the recordings.

7

Nick Smithson