Album Review: 30 Days, 10 Songs by August Radio Project (by Lee Morton)

Although we are all feeling the loss of live music, one of the few positives to come out of the whole COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lock-down is the way artists have evolved to stay relevant and keep in touch with their fans. For some the lack of touring has given time to develop ideas and/or finish albums but for those new artists looking to take their crucial first steps what do you do?

Well, for August Radio Project, you set yourself an almighty challenge and then document the whole process via Instagram stories, Facebook/Instagram weekly live sessions and even a podcast. This colossal undertaking was to create 10 songs from scratch in 30 days, from writing, recording and releasing. That’s one song, created from scratch, every 3 days. I’m exhausted just thinking about it.

August Radio Project is the new solo venture from Benedict Gould, who some of you may be familiar with as singer/guitarist with London based “punks with horns” Ghouls, who sadly called it a day last October. Initial thoughts that this would simply be an extension to that quickly dissipated as this is very much Benedict’s baby and, as such, explores his love of Country/Americana inspired music.

Opening track “Mumma, It’s Over” is an up-tempo, jangly song, which reminded me of music from a spaghetti western, although sped up. As one of the more in your face songs here, it’s a great introduction – hooky and so instantly memorable that by the time the chorus comes around a second time you’re singing along. The alternating heavy verses against the quieter chorus give this a real balance as well as impact.

Probably the most Ghouls-like sounding, in fact I was almost waiting for the brass/horns to kick in, “To The Beach” follows and is especially relevant in the current climate and something we can all identify with, that is the need for a holiday. Stripped back, as all the songs are here, it’s a simple little ditty that is best served with sand between the toes and a nice cold drink.

Much slower and deeper on introspection, “Fly” is all about those big life decisions, those sink or swim moments where you grab life to try and make a change for the better. I feel that this style of song really suits Benedict’s voice and could possibly be the direction his music takes him in the future.

The next song, “Your Bucket List” has an interesting story behind its creation. “Story” being very apt here as Benedict uses the titles of books he had lying around at home to help create the lyrics. An unusual method that sounds haphazard but somehow is skilfully brought together into a cohesive whole.

One of my favourites from this collection is up next in “Estonia”. One of the first trips abroad I took with my now wife was to Tallinn in Estonia, so it will also hold a soft spot in my heart. It’s another track, like “To The Beach” that reminisces about simpler times and has a homely campfire singalong vibe to it.

At the halfway point now and you’d think signs of a mental/creative fatigue would be setting in but “The Shuffle” shows no sign of that. A playful song that compares life with card games and gambling, it breezes along on jaunty guitar strokes that capture a jazzy mood set against smoke filled gambling dens.

Track seven, “Jigsaw”, explores relationships and makes great use of reverb/echo in the vocals which marry well with the topic as it feels like his words are sometimes being lost in communication. The riff sounds slightly distorted as well, adding to the outer body experience.

Things turn a little spiritual in next track, “Inside Of Me”. Working on the basis that everything is part of the same energy in the universe and that we are all “one”. To be honest I struggled with this song, despite a number of listens. There are some nice touches with the harmony and tone of some of the vocals but I felt like it wasn’t sure what direction it wanted to go in. At points you were waiting for it to really kick in but it never did.

Another song I couldn’t quite get on-board with was penultimate track “Play The Blues”. It refers to a quote that “if you can play the blues, you can do anything”, but unfortunately blues is a style that I don’t feel really suits Benedict’s voice. Stylistically it works, there is definitely a bluesy aura to the music and pacing of it but I need my blues filled with regrets and whiskey, which this doesn’t quite reach. Hats off though for challenging yourself and stepping outside your comfort zone.

The final song on what was a monumental undertaking, “I’m Listening”, is another that tackles relationships and how we communicate. It’s underpinned by African style marimba, a percussion instrument similar to a glockenspiel, which along with some chanting gives the track a worldly tribal, almost spiritual feel to it. There is also a bit of an Ed Sheeran sound in parts, perhaps because of the way the song is looped, which whilst I’m not a fan there’s no denying that he knows how to write a catchy tune.

Over the ten tracks here there’s a wide range of styles and influences, which is interesting to hear but can come across slightly disjointed at times. This is not meant as a criticism, more an observation and appreciation of the challenge that was taken on. Perhaps, once live music can take place again and these tracks are performed in front of an audience, the songs will take on a new form as Benedict’s performing style overcomes the substance of the tracks. With the plethora of solo artists treading similar ground it will be exciting to see how August Radio Project develops but one thing’s for certain, he doesn’t shy away from a challenge so don’t expect this to be the last we hear from him.

Stream and download 30 Days, 10 Songs on Bandcamp here.

Like August Radio Project on Facebook here.

This review was written by Lee Morton.