Innovative, resourceful and resolute are three traits that underpin the work of Coventry-based indie-folk singer-songwriter Stylusboy. From this substantive base, music and song freely flow demonstrating a wealth of talent that bubbles away in the lowlights of the independent scene. Driving his latest project is a tie up with Good Neighbours, a local charity focusing on the issue of loneliness in elderly people. Many folks from this situation have a story and half to tell, so how could a songwriter resist committing half a dozen of these to tunes drawing sounds from an instrumental spectrum. BACK IN THE DAY is a simple explicit title housing a diverse parade of stories itching to find an outlet.
Any short compilation benefits from a soaring track that leaps out to transcend the moment. 'Lift Your Voice' does the job here in a song built for the stage and those cohesive instances of ultimate artist - audience bonding. It would take a cold hearted soul not be warmed and roused by repeated renditions of 'Come on Joan, come on Joan, give us a song'. Faith believes many will rise to the challenge.
The jaunty standout follows a punchy opening where war tales of bravery and trepidation find a vocal home in 'Fourteen Days'. You are tempted to hold your breath in the lyrics that eventually spill over into survival. A stirring story behind enemy lines packed to the hilt with songwriting inspiration.
'Morning Light' commands the album centre ground in a serenading mood where the addition of violin bolsters the soundscape. Hope and belief unravel in the lyrics of a song that possesses the charm of a folk-waltz.
'Waiting to Say Hello' gets right to the heart of this project that benefited from some National Lottery funding to highlight its growing importance and recognition. The inclusion of the lyric 'good neighbours' is more than a nod to the accomplices and nails the crucial benefits derived from lifelong interaction.
'Days are Made for Living' opens with some subtle electrification joining the folk melee and possesses a strong message dripping in positivity. No doubt the source of this song benefitted as much as anyone from the project.
'Take a Little More Time' brings the collection to a close with a narrative-based song recounting a trip to have tea with the late Queen. A touch of synth injects a dose of modernity in what could be viewed as a traditional point of view and experience. More importantly, it is yet another song capturing the spirit of intent that makes this EP a worthy exercise and interesting delve into.
BACK IN THE DAY encompasses much of what Stylusboy sets out to achieve with his music. Unchained by convention yet fuelled by everyday emotion alongside the joyous and therapeutic art of song.