Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
A melancholic mood is one bound together in reflection, the vibe becomes more about the introspection of the self rather than being the life and soul of the party, and whilst others may avoid such confrontations, to refuse to look deep inside their own minds, to encounter, to place trust in looking beyond the Low Fidelity of what makes every person tick, that is the place where inspiration can surface without warning, and the results are often more intriguing.
Following on from his debut solo album, Next Episode Starts In 15 Seconds, Johnny Lloyd has every reason to finish the year with an album that is respectful to him as an artist, and one that reflects his own place in life, one surrounded by happiness and passionate motion, of looking into someone else’s eyes and seeing their faith in you become a building block for endeavour and pursuit of knowledge.
In Low Fidelity: Vol 1, the sound may be melancholic, but the release of feelings releases the soul to taste the freedom denied many, and across a huge array of songs, the low tech make-up of the album is strengthened by the mastery of the performance, one of honesty, sincerity and a look across the bow to see beauty smiling at the very cause he is chasing.
Across songs such as the opening track Pilgrims, Happy Humans, First Time, In This World, Oldest Man on Earth, the superb Crucify The Sky, Carolina, Could Have Been A Beautiful World and Boys Don’t Dance, Johnny Lloyd surprises the fans and the casual acquaintance with an album of the unexpected, the growl that comes from a darkened cave and which installs a sense of concern, but turns out to be an adventure in which you embrace.
It is in the ability to feel emotions personally that we gravitate towards those who are willing to express their own, the light attracting the understanding deep within us all, and one that magnifies our realisation that great art often comes from a place of devotion to reflecting upon one’s own purpose.
An album of surprising enlightenment, of shadows fought and light lifted; Low Fidelity: Vol 1 is a an album to be recommended and enjoyed, one not concerned with over production, it remains an indicator and light of its own accord of what can happen when being open and honesty is allowed to flourish.
Johnny Lloyd’s Low Fidelity: Vol 1 is out now via Xtra Mile Recordings.
Ian D. Hall