The ex member of The Coral, Bill Ryder-Jones, has built up his confidence when it comes to swimming in the solo waters, and his latest album is the evidence for it.
Bill is highly respected in UK, both by the media which support him in almost everything he does and by the bands that are calling him with alacrity when they need some help. As West Kirby Country Primary also received critical acclaim, it is safe to say that Bill Ryder-Jones is on his way of becoming an indie icon. Unfortunately, he is still far away from being an authentic icon.
In essence, West Kirby Country Primary is a continuation of what Bill has been doing for years now – approachable pop rock tracks with the basis in britpop. I need to add that Bill does it all in his own unique way, especially when it comes to mixing it all up with folk. That is how the audience gets a bunch of mellifluous songs, but the question is – How big is that audience?
The album flows in an easy rhythm, with intermittent riffs. The best example is Let’s Get Away From Here that wakes up the listener towards the end and gives hope that the rest of the album will reveal a shift in the sound. Still, that does not really happen. Songs are mostly in retrospective. Bill speaks about what he experienced during his life and the narrative part is his forte, because he manages to make you feel involved.
If he had put the same amount of energy into the music part of his work, he would easily become the new God of UK. Instead, we get songs with deliberate demo-vibe that does not always succeed to impress. Just listen to Put It Down Before You Break It and you’ll understand what I am saying.
West Kirby County Primary is a solid album, but nothing more than that. It shows that Bill has decided to step away from The Coral and polish his potential. Nonetheles, there is still room for progress. I hope Bill will utilize this in the future.
