SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: FITZROY HOLT – AROUND THE WREKIN

FITZROY HOLT
AROUND THE WREKIN’
25 HOUR CONVENIENCE STORE

Around The Wrekin is Fitzroy Holt’s debut album. He has made a name for himself in his home in the UK, known as Black Country (not to be confused with Black Country, New Road). Over the past few years, he has toured relentlessly and released a number of powerful independent singles. Now he has signed to 25 Hour Convenience Store records (run by Gary Powell of The Libertines fame) Rather, these are deeply personal songs set to straight ahead rock and roll. He also surprises the listener with a bit of psychedelic rock.

The album title, Around The Wrekin is a Midlands’ phrase meaning “the long way round.” This is perfect for this collection. It would seem Holt did take the long way around to get to this album but get to it he did. The songs on this album deal with life. This includes songs about his childhood, family heritage, addiction, and love. A song like “S I G H (Sometimes I Get High)” is a bluesy and painfully honest account. Songs like “Love You” not only have a strong melody but show a different side to Holt. The grit is still there, but there is less of an edge and more vulnerability. Then it is back to blues-based rock with the sad and yet powerful “Fearless & Hopeless.” The use of a horn arrangement makes the song close to jazz, but it really is pure blues in content and feeling.

While Around The Wrekin is not an easy album to listen to at times, it is riveting. Holt lays it all out for the listener to see and hear. He writes remarkably descriptive songs and the music, sometimes, says more than the words. The chaotic solo in “Fearless & Hopeless,” for example displays the inner commotion and struggles. The sign arrangement in “Goodbye Senorita” introduces the introspective song and sets the stage.

Holt has a strong voice and presence, and he lets it all out on this album. This is what he does best, writes intense songs with moving and emotional melodies. In the end, Around The Wrekin is an impressive and explosive debut album.

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