Moody McArdle - DEBUT album Fractured Soul
By bandweblogs on Nov 27, 2008 in Albums, Bands, New Releases, Press Releases | Tags: Moody McArdle
Photo: Christophe Meyer, Serge Sainte-Rose, Tommy McArdle, Anthony Clayton, Wun Yen Chan
'Fractured Soul' is the fascinating debut album by Moody McArdle, a work steeped in a gritty songwriter style with a commercial rock sound and influenced at every turn by Tommy McArdle's day job. Tommy works in the underbelly of city living in forensic psychiatry at a Regional Secure Unit for mentally disordered offenders.
'Fractured Soul' documents his efforts to understand the people he has come into contact with and as a result is a life affirming journey into the darkest recesses of the mind and the brighter edges of hope. Many of the lyrical themes stem from Tommy's attempts to communicate and understand the thought processes and behaviour which have led people to where they are and perhaps help them find a way to move beyond it. The result is one of the most atmospheric and original albums of the year.
Tommy's distinctive soothing vocal is instantly identifiable, his voice fitting snugly within the classic rock framework of the songs complimented by the melodic subtlety of delicate piano and vibrant guitar. With a history as an acoustic songwriter McArdle naturally ensures all his songs have an irresistible melody, which flows calmly through the album. In addition, his experiences of working with some of society's most vulnerable, fragile and marginalised individuals find their way into the music. 'Fractured Soul' delves deep into areas of the human condition, themes often neglected in modern 'scenester' releases.
McArdle, a veteran of numerous British and Irish bands, talks candidly of his Irish roots, no-nonsense world view and a pragmatic cynical outlook of the state we are in. After a chaotic history of band implosions, rucks with managers and Joe Strummer grabbing Tommy by the balls, the band met in the melting pot of the capital's vibrant music scene hailing as far afield as Switzerland, Martinique, Ireland, France and Hong Kong. The band is working the London live scene mercilessly and will be coming to a town near you...
With a number of tracks inspired by both Tommy's day job and classic themes running through the album, the listener can expect a unique experience, ranging from dark lyrical themes to straight-up love songs. So sit back and make yourself comfortable, you are in for a Moody McArdle therapy session.
"It doesn't get much better than this... gruff sounding, blues folk with a hint of sublime texture." - The Acoustic Lounge
Photo Credit: Urszula Majerska
Moody McArdle Official Website
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