Andy Smythe is one of the titans in the world of music. His first album, released back in 2002, only whispers of his boundless talent. And no, he doesn’t rest on his laurels. True to his artistic calling, Smythe steps into the ring once again with his muse, presenting the world with his new creative étude – “Poetry in Exile”.

“Poetry in Exile” showcases Andy Smythe’s unquenchable strength, creative movement, and style, which shines brighter with each new release. In every note of the new album, one theme, one inspiration of Andy Smythe is traced. Smythe is a songwriter, performer, and musician who has dedicated all his time and life to music and continues to hone his craft. The new album consists of 13 tracks, created with the support of Chris Payne and producer Dave Palmer, as well as musicians Beatrice Limonti and Jimmy Van Linn from Andy’s live band, encompassing one vast theme – life in an unjust world. Choosing the image of Ovid in his release, Andy Smythe emphasizes the portrayal of a musical hero displaced by the system.

photo by @andysmythesolo

Drawing parallels with the ancient Roman poet, Andy Smythe immediately raises eternal, and perhaps rhetorical, questions. Has the system changed since the time of the poet Ovid, whose life holds many mysteries, but it is known for certain that he was banished by the emperor and shortly thereafter passed away? It is precisely this depth, the conceptual approach of Andy Smythe to creating his music, that distinguishes the artist on the indie scene. By crafting music that appeals to all music lovers with its light Brit-pop atmosphere, yet leaving textured meanings for those who seek answers in the lyrics, ideas, and track structures. Undoubtedly, this is painstaking work that requires a great investment of effort, but Andy Smythe has risen to the challenge, and today we have a stunning album that meets all the standards of original music.

Hailing from London, Andy Smythe’s music has often underscored the influence of the country’s cultural heritage, a theme that persists in his earlier releases and remains evident in his latest album. Throughout the tracks, one can trace the influence of British music scene classics blending seamlessly with his own musical vision. This fusion creates that distinctive style and sound of Andy Smythe. In his new album “Poetry in Exile,” Andy Smythe ventures further, weaving a constant thread of melancholy/psychedelia among the notes, as if reminding us of the personal struggles of the album’s protagonist.

photo by @andysmythesolo

However, you will always hear freedom and redemption from suffering, because no matter how cruel the world may be, Andy Smythe always leads the line of liberation and faith in happiness, freedom, and a happy ending. It is this textured melody that immediately penetrates the heart with the first track, “Ghost in the Machine.” In the style of a bright aria, the track “Ghost in the Machine” charges with a stylish and powerful beginning, warning that it will only get better from there. The melody in the track unfolds, flows, and changes, while still retaining Smythe’s signature. You will immediately sense the uniqueness and diversity of the music when the track “Don’t Be a Fool” begins. In it, Andy Smythe embraces a new style and genre, yet maintains his unique vocal charm, supported by bright arrangements, a fast rhythm, and voluminous choirs. You will either soar in euphoria from the bright rhythm and incredible energy, as in the first tracks, or fade into melancholy and strings in the track “Prodigal Son”.

I love the flow of music and rhythms on the album. The variety of emotions, stories, harmonies, and instruments turn the album into a collection of feelings that Andy Smythe shares with the world. Then, in the track “Leaves to Burn”, you’re literally drawn into a wave of perfect sound, which, for me, evokes nostalgia and emphasizes the diversity of the music on the album. An amazing track that will immediately become your favorite because of the emotive vocals, guitar riffs, and keys. In “Poetry in Exile” and “Power is a Drug,” Smythe displays a remarkable variety of styles, from the melancholic and dreamy to the unrestrained, showcasing his professionalism in the field.

Towards the end of the album, the melody transitions into a slow stream, allowing you to savor each sound of the final tracks. I believe it’s the perfect compositional choice that only accentuates the conclusion. In the track “No Pasaran” (about the Battle of Cable Street in 1936), Andy Smythe shifts to demanding tones, accompanied by classical piano keys, offering listeners a piano ballad, while the final track “Everything’s a Bit Broken,” stylish and positive, leaves a sweet aftertaste in the bitter reality. Andy Smythe concludes the album on a bright note, descending into low tones, and the melody takes on a distinct bright hue, as if hinting that the story continues and the struggle between light and darkness is eternal, with each person having their own interpretation of this question. I must admit, it’s one of the strongest endings I’ve heard in recent times.

The album “Poetry in Exile” by Andy Smythe is the culmination of two years of work, conceptualization, recording, releasing singles, and preparing for a spring tour in support of the release. Although the idea itself seems to me to have been with Andy for quite some time, if not his entire conscious life. It’s a complex piece of work that undoubtedly stands as one of Andy Smythe’s strongest collections. The variety of genres, instruments, and emotions make this album a must-listen for everyone. I absolutely recommend it.

Connect with Andy Smythe via Instagram, Twitter, Facebook