‘Second Son Part I’ is an extended play containing five songs from Allman Brown and is his first collection of new material since his 2019 album ‘Darling It’ll Be Alright’. His most personal work to date, these songs touch on topics including his father’s passing, his relationship with his mother, anxieties and regrets, childhood, and legacy.
This EP opens with `Bewildered` which I read was inspired by A-ha’s `Take On Me` while recording the vocals and was initially born out of an anxiety dream. A fairly expansive melodic piano driven piece that kind of relates to somebody or something that steadies and strengthens you when life is a little disorientated. We have in `Breathe In, Breathe Out` a song about reassurance and being the safe harbour for someone in distress. Another tender and tranquil offering with complementary vocals from Kori Garder-Hammel. A number that really draws you in and has that overcoming sense of comfort and assurance.
`Bad Blood` is a tremendously powerful introspective composition and deals with being stuck in a loop you can’t escape and dealing with a version of yourself that you might not like very much. A recognition of your faults and flaws but finding it difficult to prevent you continuing to make them. There`s a driving beat with flowing synthesiser tones that adds a further poignancy to the number. We have in `Your Nature` a synth ladened gentle offering which paints a picture of a relationship where the narrator is overwhelmed by the all-embracing temperament and delightful disposition of their beloved.
`Call Me On` leads us out and it`s an emotive and atmospheric ballad like submission to end on which has a sense of pleading in the vocals shared. A deeply touching number to close the circle. The piano accompaniment from Thomas Bartlett is sublime.
‘Second Son Part I’ is a delightful quintet of songs that are at times mesmerising, hypnotic, entrancing and wonderfully captivating. Allman writes some absorbing lyrics from a deeply personal outlook which become completely alluring.
I hope that this release is a precursor to a full blown album of songs in the near future.
If you`re a fan of singer-songwriters such as David Grey, James Blunt, and James Morrison, you`ll wallow in Allman Brown
Rating 8.5 / 10
