Album Review: Philip Selway – Weatherhouse
2 min read
There is no denying the talent behind Radiohead’s Philip Selway, the English singer/songwriter treated us with his first solo album Familial in 2010 to a warm critical reception, and his EP Running Blind consisted of four tracks that were left on the cutting room floor of Familial. Currently the drummer/backing vocalist come solo artist has released his second solo album Weatherhouse, here’s what we thought.
Lead single Coming Up For Air is an eerie beginning to the album, the verses have a deep atmosphere whereas the chorus is more uplifting; next track Around Again is an intriguing listen to begin with but you are left wanting more as it didn’t exceed too many expectations, even when it picked up it just didn’t grab you. The tambourine entices you in Let It Go, the track has a booming environment which at times eclipses the vocal, but it’s a nice listen nonetheless as it has this smoothness to it that soothes you. Miles Away is a little dull, but you appreciate the vocal fading away in the chorus as Selway sings the line “miles away”; the spooky edginess to Ghosts captures your attention, it comes across as an eerie lullaby.
Current single It Will End In Tears strays a little more from the experimental vibe of the album to serve as a piano pop ballad, it is from this song where the title Weatherhouse is derived from and it’s a breath of fresh air; Don’t Go Now also keeps you on Selway’s level of musicality, the finger picking of the guitar is enough to entice anybody and the vocals are wonderful. Is that a marimba we hear in Drawn To The Light? If not, which ever percussive instrument it is really draws you in, along with the melody and overall laid back vibe the song has going for it; Waiting For A Sign shakes itself into a punchy intro before Selway’s relaxed vocal kicks in, the song kind of drags towards the end though. Lastly, Turning It Inside Out develops a mantra of contention as the strings and water droplets introduce the track, seeing Weatherhouse out on a spiritual and touching exit with a gracious melody and soothing arrangement.
Weatherhouse is an experimental piece of altnernative rock that reminds us why Philip Selway does what he does, which is to expertly craft an album that will stick with you. Although some of the tracks didn’t really stand out, Weatherhouse is a journey any Selway/Radiohead fan won’t hesitate to embark on, the overall atmosphere of the record goes out of its way to take you out of the box and into another world. Not a bad sophomore LPeffort at all from Phil.
