Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
Originality is the cornerstone of art, it requires oxygen, it expects progression, and it obliges when an idea comes to mind, one perhaps from left field as inspiration strikes, and as Ledley take to the avant-garde electronic self-titled debut, what transpires is an album that defies expectation and probability.
The album, Ledley, sees Ralph Clarkson, Chris Williams, and Riann Vosloo pay tribute to the Tottenham Hotspur’s player Ledley King and in the electronica improvisation the adventurous nature of the piece is intrinsic to the motion of unexpected subject matter given prominence and dutiful obligation.
There have been tributes to former players before of course, a passing mention in a song taken from the terraces, Spurs themselves did justice to one such player in 1981 with Osvaldo Ardiles, placing the talented Argentinian at the centre of the Cup Final song title, Ossie’s Dream (Spurs Are On Their Way To Wembley) by Chas and Dave, but an entire album would seem perhaps to be excessive. However, as the electronic instrumental takes shape, as tracks link themselves to the area surrounding N17, so the listener can become immersed into this highly original piece of art.
Whilst taking individual tracks out full context is a confusion when it comes to an album that borders on the concept, and especially in the purely instrumental format, to feel the ambience of Away Days and Seven Sisters Road as a football fan, for someone who may have doggedly found themselves wearing the colours of a rival team as they attend a game at White Hart Lane or the newly built Tottenham Hotspur’s stadium, the essence of being in that part of London with all its rich history of former glories is mesmerising.
Along with The Ambassador, One Knee, and One Of Our Own, what Ledley have created is not just a tribute to the one club player, but a detailed biography in the form of soundscapes and enterprising, illuminating rhythms and features that convey the man and his place in people’s hearts.
The proof that football is not just a sport, but can lead to artistry and collaboration, Ledley in name and application highlights this with eager and unified passion.
Ledley release their debut self-titled album on 4th April via Impossible Ark Records.
Ian D. Hall