LEWIS TAYLOR - Numb

Unexpected, unforeseen, the return of Lewis Taylor is now a reality. "Numb" breaks a spell that lasted a full seventeen years, a period so long it made some even doubt the English musician still existed.

Andrew Lewis Taylor's biography tells of early experiences with psych-rock outfit Edgar Broughton Band, two albums under the name Sheriff Jack, and finally a dazzling 1996 debut built on intriguing soul-psychedelic sounds. Lucky few recall excellent live performances and a brief Italian tour as support for Portishead to promote his first album. Then, for no apparent reason, silence fell.

Not even the thoroughly enjoyable "Lewis II" could change things: the lack of success relegated the musician to the status of cult artist. A few self-released albums, a brief run on the American soul charts, a quick appearance in the The Vicar project, a song turned into a hit by Robbie Williams, "Lovelight", a never-released record built around a personal reinterpretation of Captain Beefheart's classic "Trout Mask Replica", and scattered news of an electronic music duo kept fans' interest alive, but despite everything "Numb" has arrived quietly, with no triumphant announcements.

Without a doubt the world wasn't ready for Lewis Taylor's debut, an album that even today projects soul music into the future just like Marvin Gaye's “Here My Dear”. The hope, held within these ten new songs, is that the English musician might finally receive the recognition he deserves.

“Numb” is a mature set of intelligently relaxed songs, an album that doesn't shy away from the dark side of soul music: “Nearer” is a cryptic soul-gospel piece that sounds like it could have come straight out of the debut's sessions. But Taylor is, beyond being a musician, a man grappling with the present and with his own insecurities and indecisions. Starting over, putting himself back in the game: for Lewis, this new project is like a scattered puzzle, a starting point for new, exciting adventures.

Don't be misled by the brief fanfare that opens “Final Hour”: the English musician isn't trying to dazzle or deceive the senses, because what matters is authenticity and inspiration, both perceptible in every heartbeat.

Taylor's songs have never been so simple and direct, to the point that a track like “Please” could easily sit in the Lighthouse Family's repertoire, yet the author's style and personality still brand the entire project.

The slightly psychedelic brio of the title track, the dark trip-hop textures of “Worried Mind”, the funky hint of “Is It Cool” and the mix of soul, gospel and tribal music in “Brave Heart” are worthy heirs to the best moments of his past work, though it's the splendid “Apathy” that takes the prize for best performance of the bunch: the repeat button hits itself, a memorable soul-pop melody blessed with an outstanding vocal and instrumental arrangement.

It's no surprise that musicians like David Bowie, D'Angelo and Elton John have sung the English musician's praises in the past: the sensual soul moves of ”Feels So Good” and the charms of the sophisticated ballad “Being Broken” would make the fortune of many famous artists, but success doesn't always smile on the bold.

For Lewis Taylor it's time to reap the rewards of a past still unknown to many, and “Numb” is the best starting point for rediscovering one of the geniuses of modern soul music. 

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20/10/2022