Review by Ritchie Birnie for MPM
11 years since Toby has released a solo offering but you have to go back a lot longer for some Toby and the Whole Truth. I remember being devastated at Little Angels calling it a day but I followed all the boys and their different projects and I still have a set list from the Whole Truth’s first Glasgow show.
That was a very long time ago and Toby has had many ups and downs since then and it seems that all those years have built up to Look Out. It throws into the mix an eclectic collections of genres, emotions and life lessons.
This first part of three releases that make up Look Out consists of six tracks and an introduction from the man himself. This first dive into Toby’s state of mind and the reason for the release focuses on mental health but through all the situations that glint of hope is ever present.
The message of Look Out could be deemed a bit pessimistic, be on edge the whole time but as he explains the Look Out is also for yourself, for your loved ones and if you sit and break down Look Out it is basically the statement of pay attention people…not bad advice at all.
The first track “Alone With You” is a mix of punk and AC/DC. It is packed with attitude from the spat out lyrics and the intensity of the beat, drive and message. This kicks off the collection with some real grit.
“Sweet Smell of Success” is probably the closest track to Little Angels and that is probably reflected with the content as it looks like it is referencing the highest point of the musical roller coaster that Toby has been on.
We know the man loves his instruments that are not normally associated with Rock music and this song will take you back to the big bad horns with some incredible Saxophone from Dave Kemp.
Next is a beautiful number in “What Will it Take”. You cannot deny Toby soars on his more balladic numbers and this song is right up there with his best. The piano and strings sets this song aside as does Toby’s vocals, a sublime track.
“Throw it Away” has a jittery punk feel that grows on you. This takes me back to late 70s with its vibe. It has a dollop of The Who, The Cramps and a dash of Elton John…you can see why I have dubbed this EP as eclectic but the song builds to a dramatic and powerful climax.
“One Track Mind” has a pop backbone but it is as catchy as hell like a Squeeze 80s song. It has a jazzy vibe that sticks it hooks into you and from here we move onto the strangest track in “The One Turns Out the Light”.
We go full George Formby here with full on banjo and I swear i could hear a washboard shuffle on here with a little flurry of The Beatles later on in…lets say their heavily medicated era.
Look Out Volume 1 is not Little Angels, it is not Wayward Sons but it is a look into the mind and talent of Toby Jepson and you can really feel the joy coming out of this recording.
I expected this to be different just not quite so different but after a few listens it has really resonated with me and I appreciate the message, the music and the man even more.
‘Look Out! (Vol.1)’, by Toby and the Whole Truth, is set for official release, direct to fans, on the 8th of November. It’s available to order now exclusively via Toby’s official website: https://shop.tobyjepsonofficial.com/collections/look-out-toby-and-the-whole-truth
Tracklist:
1. Introduction
2. Alone With You
3. Sweet Smell Of Success
4. What Will It Take?
5. Throw It Away
6. One Track Mind
7. The One That Turns Out The Light
Connect with Toby Jepson:
Official Website: https://www.tobyjepsonofficial.com
Facebook: https://www.tobyjepsonofficial.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealtobyjepson
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tobyjepsonofficial
X: https://www.x.com/tobyjepson
Photography by Scott Diamond.