Album Review

Spencer McGarry Season – Episode 1

• 24th Feb 2009

The Cardiff based singer/songwriter Spencer McGarry has definitely done his homework and followed the musicians rulebook on how to make a beguiling melodic pop rock album. The re-released first album called episode 1, first of an optimistic six, is a dedication to his favourite 60‘s 70’s and 80’s rock influences from The kinks, The Jam, to Talking Heads and XTC, so it is no surprise the album equates Paul Weller-esque vocals, with edgy trebly guitar riffs and melodic bass lines.

The album starts promisingly with ‘Oh Leonard’ which is voluminous in razor sharp guitar riffs, bouncy bass lines and the obligatory lyrical nonsense background vocals (doo roo doo doos). By the fourth or fifth song the repeated vocal phrases and lack of lyrical depth becomes tedious, the inspirations become less influential and more complete rip offs and the album struggles to execute, making ‘Oh Leonard,’ A paler shade of wit,’ and ‘the heat was hot,’ the main memorable songs.

Episode 1 by Spencer McGarry Season celebrates mediocrity on every level, although there is nothing wrong with this album, there is definitely nothing distinctive.
Spencer attains what he wants to achieve, a rock album clearly dedicated to his inspirations, it does not bring anything new to the songwriters table, but then again, if imitation sells… then why not?
If affable upbeat guitar riffs and sing along lyrics are what you enjoy, then Spencer McGarry Season are definitely for you.