Andy Bull’s debut album is a perfect example of the old tale of the tortoise and the hare. In an industry where it is easy to be swept up in becoming the hare, Andy has been the tortoise. OK so the analogy is not a glamorous one; my point being Andy Bull’s long awaited debut offering, We’re Too Young is certainly a creation of an arsenal of talent, Tony Buchen’s impeccable production, but also of a lot of very hard work. A hare produces a quick fizzling flash in the pan and the tortoise produces an Australian album of a year. Yes, dare I say it, this is a contender.
Andy is no stranger to the music industry with the better part of seven years of experience under his belt from an impressive and extensive list of venues. He has gigged across the country, teasing a growing number of loyal fans with the promise of an album for years. You see, once you see Andy live you understand why he has been hounded by the public to release his album. When you leave a gig, you crave more; you impatiently want your own take away copy. So, to you Andy Bull fans who have hungrily awaited the highly anticipated debut, you will be far from disappointed; you can finally have your own take away version.
It is no secret that Bull possesses extraordinary talent. His superior song writing ability is beyond his years and his deft piano skills and unique high-register velvety vocals make him one of Australia’s most formidable talents. He has the ability to reach a wide range of music lovers with his fresh fusion of pop and soul. His voice has an innocent quality, a quiet strength, a sense of naivety and unparalleled purity.
We’re Too Young is a product of meticulous tweaking, polishing, reconstructing, crafting and love. Andy has captured his signature stylings in 11 tracks that each manage to transcend time. Each track has a story, its own unique sound. Each track fills me with encouragement that Australian music is producing such incredible talent. Listening to We’re Too Young, there are shades of other artists that have influenced Andy’s own sound – imagine combining Ben Folds, Mika, Elton John, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, a 60′s gospel choir and Prince. Bull manages to draw elements from the last 50 years of music and injects a fresh spin.
The production is flawless and his band is on fire. Whether it is the strings, the brass, the percussion, the guitar or the keys, all are impossible to fault and carefully crafted to complement one another. The tracks are stuffed with a myriad different instruments and innovative hooks, never losing their essence. It all flows. The tracks roll on with ease and perfection. Backed by a full band or stripped down with just his piano, Andy comfortably delivers each time. As a whole, you are taken down a musical path with songs about the dizzying heights of love, the crushing blows of love lost and heart break and the perils of growing up; all lyrically capture what we all have felt, with total sincerity.
The album opens with the title track We’re Too Young. This upbeat opener packed with a cool marching band drum beat questions whether one is too young to fall back in love. The pacey drums and strings back Bull’s sweet vocals that dance all over this track.
The second track was also the second single off the album. Young Man is a punchy number about the trials and tribulations of growing up, with a bouncing bass line and a supremely catchy chorus. She’s a Ghost, currently receiving air play, sees Bull running up and down the musical scales with ease. Listen to it for the percussion that breaks up the song and the clever lyrics.
Small Town Girl was the first single and received a huge amount of media attention and radio time, with good reason. There is a timeless element to this song with shades of Elton John to it and contrary to that, I’m also reminded of the Led Zeppelin’s classic ‘What Is And What Should Never Be’ at times. Bull’s voice is as smooth as molasses, and the opening use of a 60′s Hammond organ gives this track a classic old school feel.
One Thing You Should Know is a lyrically biting number wrapped up by his innocent-sounding pipes. Listen to this track for the clever lyrics and the bouncing reggae feel. Girls! is a high energy track with shades of Mika and Ben Folds at times, lots of punch, lively piano and heavy in harmonies.
Do You Recall is my absolute favourite track on the album. It has every element I look for in a stand out song, hell even some clapping makes it in! Go Outside has magnificent tinkering piano; a strong track brimming with brass and percussion and lively piano.
Grown Folk, is another favourite. Bull’s voice is so supremely clear and soulful; he floats with ease from note to note. Lyrically it is beautiful and almost sounds like you are eavesdropping on a private conversation about a past hurt. Again, Andy has a rare quality of putting words to a situation usually difficult to describe.
You Make It So Hard To Love You, is a stunning track that starts stripped down compared to the up-tempo previous tracks. Listen to it for the song’s brilliant build as instruments are introduced bit by bit. Very cool. The Sum of All My Dreams, is the closing track of We’re Too Young and is Bull doing what he does best with just a piano. It is a perfect ending to his debut release.
We’re Too Young is now available at JB HiFi and online. I urge you to invest in a copy as soon as you can. And for an extra treat, get to an Andy Bull gig. Details are on his myspace.
So, to our tortoise friend with the chocolate locks, thank you for taking your time in producing an album that will remain in many of our music collections for a very long time.
Dee xx
PS: check out an earlier interview Trespass Magazine did with Andy earlier this year.
I whole heartedly agree with everything you have said Dee – it is a totally infectious album, cannot stop listening to it!