ALBUM REVIEW: Toby Jepson - Look Out! (Vol 1)

His first solo release in 11 years, Toby Jepson is well-known to rock fans for his work with Little Angels, Wayward Sons and his Sunday evening show on Planet Rock. Look Out! (Vol 1) begins a new endeavour for the acclaimed singer/songwriter, as he returns to his post-Little Angels group, Toby and the Whole Truth.

A carefully curated three-set release covering 20 songs in total, this is the first part and the first six songs that explore themes associated with his struggles with mental health over the years and how he overcame them. "I’ve called the album collection ‘Look Out!’ as it seemed to focus on the idea of recovery in a very specific way – be aware, take care, be warned, but be open and always on the lookout for the truth, the love and the light", he explains. "It is an interesting phrase; it means many things. It is inherently a WARNING, a shout, a declaration or a written announcement. Secondly you can BE the Look Out, the one seeking something, taking care to make sure your eyes are open and observant, and thirdly it’s a place, an actual physical structure or possibly an imagined vantage point from where we observe and watch. All these definitions I feel sum up the record – it’s a collection of songs that hope to enlighten, inform and give you information that might help you to see from a different perspective”. 

He's always been an eclectic musician, and this short 19-minute release is no exception. The songs here are punchy, full of vibrance and which as he explains in the minute long intro, are some of the most enjoyable songs he’s every recorded. Opening with a song that shows Jepson’s rockier side, there’s an immediacy which gets the foot tapping straight away. Alone With You is a bouncy, driving rocker that is crisply performed, with high tempo and some subtle lead guitar work combining delicious melody and harmonies. This is followed up by Sweet Smell of Success, which has a poppier edge to it, including some brass which isn’t a surprise but adds depth and layers to the track. 

Whilst the hard rocking style isn’t as evident on Sweet Smell of Success, what is apparent is that the man has drawn from decades of influences and isn’t afraid to step outside any pigeonhole to make his point. What Will It Take drips with emotion, soaring high yet hitting deep. It’s a carefully crafted song that sweeps along, dynamic and epic in parts, yet stripped down its one of his most endearing works. Throw it Away ups the rock levels again, and by now you should be drawn into the personal and reflective lyrics that add to the atmosphere. 

There’s a lot of effort in this release, with the brass of Dave Kemp, Stuart Wilkinson and Ian Chalk certainly adding a retrospective yet contemporary element. They excel on penultimate song One Track Mind, which is perfectly danceable, with an almost Motown groove to it. The One That Turns Out the Light is possibly my least favourite, with its TV theme feel suited to those American shows of the 1980s. It suits Jepson though, despite the rather cheesy feel and delivery. Would I buy this? Not a chance, but then he’s never been that much on my radar. What I will say is that live, there are few performers who give as much, and should the man decide to promote these releases with a little tour, I’d be tempted to pop along.

Look Out! (Vol 1) is released via Jepsongs Music on 8th November

Review and live shot by Hutch

You can order the album here