This 4 track offering from Jack Hayter comes from Audio Antihero, a small, but awesome, label who are self proclaimed 'specialists in commercial suicide'. From the release of Nosferatu D2's excellent album 'We’re gonna walk around this city with our headphones on to block out the noise', to Benjamin Shaw's 'I got the pox, the pox is what I got', AA have begun strongly and demonstrated a clear intention to progress and develop as a label, giving diverse artists a chance. AA's releases come from different corners of the musical world - from the folk roots of Jack Hayter, to the raw sound of Nosferatu D2 and the electronic sound of Broken Shoulder (to be released on 27th March) there is much to be enjoyed.
Jack Hayter's 'Sucky Tart' opens with the enchanting 'I Stole the Cutty Sark', a song which introduces you to the unique sound which builds from a vocal-led opening verse, before the facinating interplay between guitar, drums and harmonica comes in to accompany Hayter's rough voice, which evokes the high seas. Whether this is some act of the subconscious due to the 'Cutty Sark' reference in the title, or a genuine evocation, I'll let you decide, however it is a feeling that continues throughout the record, as the smooth tones of the harmonica and violin tend to make one think of the sea. This is a tale of a man's devotion to go to Greenwich to steal the Cutty Sark 'to impress you somehow', a brilliant, if somewhat unlikely, story.
'A Doll's House' follows - a mellow song, which continues the EP's folky vein, with the soft sounds and melody again allowing Hayter's unique tone to dominate the song and evoke great and real emotion.
Next up is 'A Simple Song', which is something of a Ronseal song. It does what it says. Hayter's voice flows over a beautiful acoustic guitar-picked melody. Again, this is a tale of love - 'these are the last hands I want layed upon me' strikes as one particularly beautiful line. This song stands out as my personal favourite from the album; there is something magical in the moment where the 2nd guitar comes in at the final chorus.
'Jacquie I Won't Mind' closes the EP. This is a track during which you find yourself with a feeling of being surrounded from every side in the unique soundscape which Hayter creates, with the acoustic guitar, violin, harmonica and Hayter's voice combining to create a truly introspective and wonderful sound, which, again, defies description without reference to nautical imagery.
This excellent EP needs to be listened to when in an introspective mood - it is not one to play before a night out, nor one to play on the move - it is to be savoured for those quiet moments in life where one gets the opportunity to sit back and take 20 minutes to think and wind down.
Rating: 8.0/10
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