Former Stolen Haven frontman Andy Brides is back with brand new material. A couple of years ago we interviewed the band in the build up to their final ever performance at The Night and Day Cafe. The show, described by Broughton singer/songwriter Andrew Brides as 'a testimonial' allowed the classy tunesmiths to bow out in style.
It proved to be an emotional farewell for a gifted band with a passionate fan-base, and we're glad to hear that the Salford songwriter is finding the time to get back to his creative best with a new EP...
"Well it took a while but I started a family, my baby daughter is now three months old" says Andy "A couple of the others from the band have had kids, daughters too, even though we're all kept busy we keep in touch. I set up an open mic night at the Salford Arms which is over two years ago now, I don't run it anymore but it's still going strong. I missed being in a band and I especially missed the creative process. So I continue writing and as the songs start to pile up so does the urge to get them down."
Come In is the EP's opening song and fittingly relays a heartfelt tale of contentment. It's a subtle invitation into the EP and ensures an affectionate start with a lilting and uplifting arrangement. The track has a joyful tenderness that evokes the spirit of 'The The' (circa Soul Mining). Lead track Worth the Night sits nicely within the vernacular of Stolen Haven's kitchen-sink indie rock. It's a jangling tune with a 'killer chorus'.
With luck, Worth the Night will be picked up by indie radio stations and garner some well-deserved airplay... "I think there's obviously going to be my music influences in there; Shed Seven, Badly Drawn Boy to name a couple" he says "As clichéd as it might be, I let the lyrics and melodies write themselves, philosophical stuff from life and health, to politics and bad weather. There's a few local references in there; Shelagh Delaney, Mocha Parade, and there might even be a football stadium or two if you listen closely."
Shine begins with a bittersweet lamentation of a love unrequited. Soon a gear-shift kicks in and offers hope with shimmering warmth. In the Rain has a signature, passionate vocal. Lyrically, Andy wryly hints at a confident return to music, 'right back where it started; roll out the red carpet'. The song steadily builds toward an anthemic conclusion with the very Salfordian refrain, 'Singing Shelagh Delaney Way, meet you at the offy at the Mocha Parade'. It's certain to become a live favourite (especially in these parts).
"The plan is to put on some shows around Manchester...Gulliver's, The Kings Arms, The Eagle Inn; The Salford Arms...could depend on how well the record is received" says Andy "The main focus at the moment is getting back in the studio to record more material. There's some new songs inspired by my daughter Juno which I'm excited about. Between the two EP's it should make for a decent gig."
Initially planned as a stripped-back solo project, the songs have had input from other musicians and evolved. The result is a pleasing collection of diverse songs..."I should name and thank the guests, Billy Kehoe (harmonica) Jake Broughton (drums) Kimberley Holden (cello) Neil Treppas (piano, bass guitar). Neil also produced the record at Redbridge studios in Bolton. He co-wrote some of the music along with Craig McGowan (guitar)."
It's been a while, but it's great to welcome back a top class singer/songwriter.
Worth the Night EP by Andy Brides, give it a listen on all platforms – click here
Five out of five Salford Stars *****
Words by Ian Leslie
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