James Andrews

Beautifully melodic, haunting soundscapes and poetic lyrics – songwriter James Andrews has been working for decades to craft a unique style of music, that lies somewhere between artrock and indie-folk.

New E.P ECHO CHAMBER (Out January 2020) is the latest release from the London based artist. After spending five years in Berlin, Andrews returned to his native land to begin working on a new set of songs, that are introspective, as well insightful into our shared human condition.

Swirling synths, delayed guitars and claustrophobic vocals provide a backdrop to themes of isolation, fear and collective paranoia in a new and ever changing technological world.

Lead single SARDONIA is a satirical exploration of an Orwellian landscape, where we appear to be sleepwalking into a dystopia of narcissism, unsure of reality and cynically self-obsessed. The anonymity of social media and online communication brings out the darkest sides of human nature, and we have never been so connected, yet so far away from one another. The artist argues that in polarised times, it is more important than ever to maintain compassion and understanding of your fellow man. Crunchy electric guitars, drum machines and creepy synths reference the production styles of Radiohead and Eels.

Instrumental track 158 is centred on a picked acoustic guitar riff, built on top of layers of detuned synthesisers and samples. The track makes reference to such classic record as David Bowie’s ’Low’ and Pink Floyd’s ’Dark Side of the Moon’, and reflects the anxieties that come with adopting to big life changes and the pace of modern life.

R.A.I.N is a powerful song – exploring personal suffering and mental health. In the track, Andrews looks at the ways that we can use our pain to grow and develop as individuals. Against an eerie sonic landscape, subtle electric guitars and natural world imagery build to a crescendo of distorted drums and layered vocals with the powerful rallying cry of ‘’Never give up.’’

Closing track LEXICON is in contrast an upbeat ode to overcoming adversity, and closes the record on an optimistic note. Some things you can’t change, and life can be hard – but you can always try and be a better person to yourself and those around you, and ultimately that’s the overriding point Andrews would like his audience to take away from this record.

2018 saw the release of his debut album SPIRIT OF OUR TIME. Before living in Germany, Andrews spent his formative years in London, in bands, as well as prolifically releasing his own material under various aliases. His ‘Neo Ferns’ project attracted the attention of many online blogs and music publications, as well as high praise from BBC 6 Music’s Tom Robinson. This attention lead to supporting acts such as Wye Oak, Hot Chip and Beirut.

ECHO CHAMBER is out on 17th January 2020 on Let’s Go Bowling.