West London based singer-songwriter, FREEMAN is set to release his eagerly awaited debut album ‘Truth’ on Catapult Records tomorrow the 25th of May. ‘Truth’, recorded at Eastcote Studios in Kensal Rise with Jamie Brown and engineer Andy Hughes, features fourteen tracks including the current single ‘Weekend’, the recent ‘Good Times’ and last year’s debut ‘Lay On’ all of which have picked up widespread critical support from the likes of the Huffington Post to plays on BBC Radio London. ‘Lay On’ was accompanied by a video featuring footage from the Oscar winning French short ‘The Red Balloon’ and had 180k views and over 1.5k shares on its first week online.
‘Truth’ is a collection of catchy indie pop tracks sprinkled with sweet Americana to create a sublime tight album that is enjoyable to listen to. ‘All About Love’ kicks off the album with a sensual bassline and punchy beat that will have those feet tapping and body grooving in no time. The melodies in this album are delightful, this particular tune has a sing along ready chorus and melody that is luscious, sweet as taffy and utterly golden. ‘Best Days’ and ‘Rolling Stone’ steamroll in with a stomping beat and rock and roll swagger soaked guitar strides, there is definitely a Bryan Adams country-esque vibe about the former while ‘Weekend’ hops about with a indie pop buoyancy and vitality as jangly guitars drive through free wheeling, sunny soundscapes and upbeat animation. ‘Good Times’ which is my favourite track on the album takes on the role of the sweet slow jam. It is warm glowing and feathery light with delicate tapping percussion wrapped in a luscious sway-able melody and soothing vocals. ‘Indiana Girl’ and ‘Redemption’ follow the emotional slow burner pathway as does ‘Lay On’ which adds a soulful hue to the mix provided by delicate keys and supple guitar injections caressed by soft whispered raspy vocals. This romantic little ditty is soothing, delicate and heartfelt. The Americana and country flavours shine through tracks such as ‘Watchtower’ and ‘Hearts Of America’ as warm guitar (and harmonica twangs in the former) fill the tracks with cosy melancholic tones and rich depths as the ever catchy melty melodies melt upon this beautiful balmy backdrop. There is no shortage of sing along choruses in this album nearly every track has a hook that invades your brain, constantly revolving in your head all day ‘Rolling Stone’ is a prime example of this so is ‘Life’- who doesn’t fall under the trap of a good “la la” lyric especially when it’s surrounded by a sweet delicate melody. Freeman brings the album to a fluid and gentle end with the aching yet glowing positivity of ‘Midnight Wanderer’ followed by the hushed heartbreaking ‘Goodbye My Love’ and finally the tender ethereal ‘Fire’ closes the album on a calm beautiful tone.
‘Truth’ is a heartfelt charming collection of tracks that are warm, cosy and sweet with some swagger and fun thrown in to keep you singing along and bopping between the emotional tears. The album will be released on limited edition vinyl and CD and will be available to download at all the usual major outlets tomorrow.
Watch the video for ‘Lay On’ below
