Andy Smythe – Leaves To Burn (2024)
Drawing together the sounds of vintage Britpop and indie-rock, singer-songwriter Andy Smythe pays tribute to the old-school bands while creating a distinctive new sound for 21st-century audiences. UK-based Smythe began performing on the UK music scene in the early 2000s and, over the last two decades, has established himself as a forerunner in new-age Britpop/indie rock soundscapes. We discovered Smythe last year with his well-received single ‘Prodigal Son’ and continued our journey into his discography with ‘Out Of My Mind’. Join us as we delve into his latest single, ‘Leaves To Burn’.
Following his well-received track ‘Out Of My Mind’, ‘Leaves To Burn’ retains the lingering of old-school Britpop in the melody but is diversified with a slip of various genres. Fluttering about the Blur-influenced Britpop, ‘Leaves To Burn’ breathes life into a Bowie glam rock tone clasped with an indie-pop vibe. Yet, while the inclusion of these styles in a sonic wrapper is intriguing, I find the folk-rock sensibilities bring a wave of something new, interesting and completely Andy Smythe.
Elegantly combining brooding guitars with laidback drums and his rich vocals, ‘Leaves To Burn’ emanates comfort within a rustic ambience. Listening to the single is like sitting in front of a wood fire and enjoying the heart-lifting setting. It might be on the soundtrack to All Creatures Great and Small (my latest obsession), but there is a rock edge mixing up a heavier vulnerability in the harmonic tune.
The track’s melody is moving in its own right, but it is the theme that highlights Smythe’s depth as an individual. Tapping into his inner McCartney, ‘Leaves To Burn’ is an intimate exploration of “rural life spent on a farm”, from the trials of the plough to the issue of mental health in the farming community where “emotional well-being is supported by close-knit relationships…”
Taken from Smythe’s new album Poetry In Exile, ‘Leaves To Burn’ is a charming melody threaded with poignant themes and a must-have on anyone’s playlist.
Find out more about Andy Smyth on his official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Discover more indie-pop tunes on The Other Side Reviews Indie Pop playlist:
