Randolph’s Leap

Nature against technology, it’s an age old debate that’s raged between sides from dinner tables to the summits of the UN. Music has also tossed its two cents into the fray on occasion, to varying degrees of effectiveness.

Having a go and coming to the table are Randolph’s Leap, a Glasgow based melodic band who bring their own brand of soft, folk rock to an argument that’s older than the band put together. Their new mini-album Real Anymore sets itself up as tongue-in-cheek with a hint of the serious that’s enough to bring both a smile to the listener’s face and leave them with a thought in their head.

Playful and fun, it’s not often that an album by a relatively unknown group will go down the route of borderline parody. Especially not in the current musical climate where results, ticket sales and album chart performance can be the difference between a sinking ship and plain sailing.

Taking the formulaic approach is something that most groups like Randolph’s Leap couldn’t be blamed for following. But the mere fact they haven’t is more than enough to warrant a listen.

Album openers ‘Conversation’ and ‘Real Anymore’ show more of the same self-motivated, homespun magic that has seen the group stay constantly busy over the past twelve months. Delightful as they are quirky, Adam Ross’s vocals are the glue that hold together this melodic mash-up beautifully.
His bleeding heart style lends itself entirely to the serious conveying of otherwise absurd lyrics. Yet only in the hands of a man completely comfortable, and capable, with his own music, can it be delivered in a believable way. And above all else, it’s enjoyable.

Nowhere is this more apparent than track three, ‘Psychic’, where our strung-out narrator describes a run-in with the perma-tanned luvvie of the dead, Derek Acorah. Absurd, yes, little bit strange, of course. On the money? Definitely.

At seven tracks long, this mini album is still a considerable bang for your buck. Closing number ‘Indie King’ could be the stand out track as it lampoons the current culture of nostalgic throwback with a charm that’s infectious.
It’s easy to be swept along in the indie, hipster tidal wave that’s been going on forever, everybody is guilty of it. But in what will become typically Randolph’s style. In a self styled review and biographical gaze at themselves as a group and the industry as a whole; this is parody at its most enjoyable, easy-going self.

Once again Ross’s vocals are difference between absurdist nonsense and clever pastiche. An all too easy trap to fall into with this style of music would be to act and behave like self-righteous and pretentious music snobs. But with the right balance and pitch perfect humour, Randolph’s Leap make the whole experience a brilliant one.
Funny, full of flavour and a good, old fashioned, bit of fun. Real Anymore is a romp from a bygone era that still retains its dignity and musical integrity. Where Flight of the Concords may have gone the way of the Dodo, this band can take up their mantle seamlessly. And all the better for it.