Coming from the serene landscapes of Shropshire, Andy Smythe is a modern day troubadour and master storyteller, dazzling audiences with his melodies and poetic lyricism for over two decades. Drawing inspiration from artists like Nick Drake and folk icons such as Donovan and Tim Buckley, Andy Smythe has made a name for himself in the London folk music scene, offering a refreshing blend of originality and authenticity.
A wordsmith at heart, Smythe’s lyrical writing is unmatched, channeling the spirit of literary giants like Leonard Cohen and Walt Whitman to craft tales that connect with listeners. His live performances have earned acclaim from industry veterans, including The Waterboys’ Mike Scott, attesting to Smythe’s talent and magnetic stage presence.
With a discography spanning multiple albums, including the well-received Hard to be Human, Andy has established himself as a truly loved figure. Recently he released his latest album Poetry in Exile and now brings us the new single lifted from the record with “Leaves to Burn.” With this fully solo effort, Andy plays guitars, organ and bass as well as singing to deliver a delightful sound of Britpop revival filtered through his own sonic lens.
Inspired by his own experiences growing up and working on farms in the heart of England, “Leaves to Burn” is a tribute to the unsung heroes of the farming community and a poignant exploration of themes of loss, resilience and mental well-being. Brought in by the patter of drums shots, the full beat snaps as guitars slide in to craft an upbeat jam full of grooving rhythm.
Andy’s bright voice enters to spin smooth melodies above, ringing out alongside the warm stretches of organ textures. Flowing through a catchy indie scene, his nostalgic lyricism paints a picture and transports you to his own childhood.
Capturing a retro vibe wrapped in the artist’s modern sonic output, vibrant vocal layers rack up engaging harmonies in the chorus as the song builds to a stellar finale where lead electric guitar lines snake alongside the vocal leads as the song fades out. Packed full of memorable melodic writing, uptempo energy and colourful instrumentation, “Leaves to Burn” presents a charming listening experience that showcases Andy’s songwriting talent and his musicianship flair.
Listen to Leaves to Burn below
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