Great riffs, honest vocals – captivating stories and real music; plenty of space and smart, sharp lyrics, with a snappy fusion of melody and spoken-word charm. Old Man Lion spent his younger years playing and writing songs in a band, then following a hiatus, found time during COVID to finally capture a style of his own as a solo artist.
With 33 original songs already released, we take a look at the Old Man Lion collection of impressively distinct tracks, and this begins with the minimal jazz-folk quirks and observations of Bang on The Money.
Jazz riffs and clever, comical and honest lyrics follow short lines and a relatable, later unmistakable British vocal lead from Old Man Lion. After this, Bad Time is equally recognisable in its spoken and sung fusion, with a funkier full-band arrangement and some hilarious to heart-breaking realism scattered throughout a bold analysis of contemporary living.
Old Man Lion declares that people have often complimented the nuance and character of his lyrics, and this quality is undoubtedly what grips you throughout these songs. At the same time, the music and vocal pairing – the unfiltered, un-effected authenticity of the voice, and the eclectic jazz, funk and soul-pop arrangements, even the sudden ambient and oriental twists of songs like What I Want (You’re The One), present a clear sense of identity that’s something like poetry reading with an edge of passion and presence. This particular song again blends humour and heartfelt purity, in a listed format that’s compelling, and this becomes a quality synonymous with the Old Man Lion style.
Later we get the jazz sax and soulful choir backdrop of Something Going Down in New Orleans, a suddenly more provocative, mysterious and engaging lyrical and atmospheric venture. The voice is a little more serious, the words more densely story-like, and that spoken-melodic balance feels theatrical yet enchanting, as it walks us through these streets, this ‘land of dreams’.
Whenever you think you know the formula, Old Man Lion flips the script a little, and H.G is a fine example. Something like psychedelic trip hop, a story that’s completely unpredictable, and an ambiance that’s equally cinematic as it rolls along, H.G is as unconventional as its science-fiction story, and it effectively re-captures any wandering minds. Old Man Lion holds nothing back, writes fearlessly, with freedom, fun, and soulful ferocity all seamlessly intertwined.
Other noteworthy moments from his growing repertoire include the catchy simple swagger and perhaps conceptual dissonance of Sugar Daddy, and the bold rap confidence and jarring artistic weight of On a Runaway Train, but these are personal reactions. Highlights might be the more poetic reflections and vulnerability of songs like Regular Joe – that realism and intimacy invaluable, the hardship and unrelenting darkness of modern life being something that many people can connect with, and the music simultaneously unique yet easy to escape into.
“I’ve spent such a long time teetering on the brink of the abyss.”
Instrumentally, Jenny Cutthroat is alluring, impassioned and interesting – then for Maypole, the simple Celtic and folk-rock bounce adds a springtime simplicity and warmth that’s welcomed amidst the existing mood. And after this, Chimera is confronting – retro-electronic industrial sounds backing a personal outpouring that’s metaphorical but revealing and relatable.
From a mainstream perspective, there’s something easy-going and calming about the style and melody, the scenes and images of Sweet Flows the River, and then to finish, a little blues-rock shuffle of an acoustic groove lets self-scorn and humour walk hand-in-hand in a smart, sharp, and satisfying way. Mean Reds, Deep Blues adds one final stand-out song to the impactful style and repertoire of a genuine and intriguing Old Man Lion.
A great profile of original songs, real vocals and lyrics, real stories from a life lived with passion, presence, and self-awareness. Something different but timeless, poetry and music naturally performed, and with lots of wild and wonderful moments to appreciate.
