Single Review

Andy Ruddy – On This Great Day EP

• 29th Sep 2014

The debut release from Bradford’s Andy Ruddy is a four track EP of bright and contemporary folk music. With full instrumentation backing poetic lyrics sung in a strong and emotive voice, this is a confident and entertaining first foray into the recording world. The 23 year old shows real maturity in both his songwriting and performance and the EP, produced by Fraser Smith (formerly of Shed 7), has bright touches and pop hooks as well as softer songs.

Title track On This Great Day is a big sweeping track with a lush instrumental backing. Starting with folky acoustic guitar it soon develops into a full band sound with the vocals strong and true. The chorus is rhythmic and Ruddy’s voice hints at restrained power beneath the even tones.

Resolutions follows, an emotional song with a big production that heads towards folk pop territory with some nice acoustic guitar work. It mixes nostalgia with the forward looking focus of its title and the northern lilt of the vocals adds a lovely authenticity to this optimistic track

If The Years Are Kind starts on the piano, multi instrumentalist Ruddy showing that he has a melodic style. The slower vocals are smooth and the tracks works very well. The fourth track Boy is another slow one, Ruddy showing a good vocal range and hitting some higher notes well. It is relaxed and even, with a quiet charm.

Andy Ruddy has shown a lot in this four track debut. His style is laid back, yet with a subtle passion that comes through clearly. And the quality of his lyrics shines through. So if you like the quieter side of music, this is definitely one to check out.

Venue: On This Great Day EP
Support Band: self