Flying In The Face Of Logic

As English folk metal pioneers Skyclad are on a short break for songwriting and assorted shenanigans, the group’s long-time producer, guitarist and for-almost-10-years-running-now main vocalist, Kevin Ridley, has released his debut solo album, Flying In The Face Of Logic. Fans of Skyclad will still hear oodles of rich folk music elements in the form of unplugged predominance, violins, pipes, flutes and rarer string instruments, just in a lighter framework. This record was definitely planned to omit the metal and present a more rock or specifically folk rock-oriented approach. The likes of Lindisfarne, Fairport Convention and Jethro Tull’s folkiest trilogy of Songs From The Wood-Heavy Horses-Stormwatch come clearly to mind. The lyrical direction also shies largely away from the biting social commentary and pun-mastery that one could expect here and instead goes for a distinctly autobiographical feel of telling stories. Images of the olden English countryside with the assorted lush forests, huddling market squares and lively pubs are easy to pick up from listening through this doozy. As said, FITFOL is mostly driven by a base of acoustic guitars, bass and drums for a very organic feel. De Profundis (Back Home Again), Angel At Harlow Green and Lost For Words are the best examples of Ridley’s formidable skills at creating simple and very beautiful folk tunes. Still Lucid After All These Beers is an awesome fast-paced drinking song that should make all listeners grab their pints and dance on the nearest table. It also soothes the most pun-hungry listeners with a snappy reference to one of Paul Simon’s best solo albums. Which Is Why updates the great Skyclad tune of the same name into a more unplugged setting with the violins and percussions playing the most notable role. Eat The Sun and They Dance Till Tomorrow bring the occasional distorted guitars most clearly to the forefront to supply the heaviest moments to be found here. On their own they’re good tunes, but I don’t feel they fit into the whole package that well. With the predominance of the acoustic grandeur, these tunes are left looking a little like heavy leftovers that were just put in for the sake of variety. I think this package would’ve been even better as a completely whimsical acoustic journey. Those like myself who enjoy Ridley’s singing in Skyclad should enjoy it greatly here too as his baritone holds up very well with both the tender ballads and the hearty bellowing. I like that he has amped up his ye olde folk tendencies without trying to make anything too modern just for the sake of "staying with the times" or any similar bollocks. Although thinking about the times as this exact moment of the year, Flying In The Face Of Logic is nearly perfect listening for the hot summer days of frolicking in the fields and sipping down ale from your flask.