Reviewed by Taf Rock for MPM
Connor Selby is one of the British blues scene’s fastest rising stars. The Truth Comes Out Eventually is only Connor’s second album (his self titled debut hit the streets in 2021) but this album sees Connor come of age demonstrating a maturity far beyond his 26 years of age. Each of the ten tracks served up here are finely crafted, the work of a young man who has a deep understanding of the blues.
Joyous and upbeat, album opener Someone celebrates love, and how finding the right person can change your life. Connor’s guitar intertwines with Dave Limina’s keys and a vibrant horn section creating a beautiful uplifting soundscape aided by the unique soothing nature of Connor’s vocals. ‘The birds began to sing … All of your troubles don’t mean a thing’. Female backing vocals join the appraisal of that special person in one’s life that you can lean on to help lift the darkest clouds. Moving and grooving to its conclusion … this track scores very highly on the danceability scale.
Lively, fast paced horns introduce All Out Of Luck. Connor taking on the role of band leader as he reminisces, ‘maybe my time will come’. The theme of love runs throughout this album, this time Connor reflects on the ebb and flow of the tides of love and luck in life. One day you get a break … The next you’re bitten by bad luck and back to the start. There’s no room for doom n gloom here though as the track reassures, inducing hope and positivity with its uptempo nature despite the bad luck nature of the lyrics. Another fine example of Dave Limina’s deftness on the keys here with an exemplary solo followed in quick succession by a classy lead break from Connor.
Mellowing out slightly, title track The Truth Comes Out Eventually deals with deception. Connor’s soothing vocal puts our mind at ease as we ‘play this game called love’. Living ‘a world of makebelieve’ can be frustrating at times as we struggle to come to terms with a partner’s expectations whilst trying to retain one’s own identity. Similarly at live shows Connor can sometimes seem restrained, almost shy with few words between songs but he is in fact a man of many words. Listen to the lyrics as he lets the music and songs do the talking. Connor isn’t one for frantic fretboard displays, instead he delivers on the guitar almost effortlessly with the precision of a true craftsman.
Connor sticks his foot down and confirms his true identity with (I Am) Who I Am. Blues from the top drawer full of stinging guitar reminiscent of the great Albert Collins at times. ‘you love me as I am… you try and change me into another man… my soul ain’t yours to save’. Deeply personal lyrics, words which many people can identify with. Connor bares his soul throughout this album. ‘Take my advice … change your ways or I’m gonna walk straight out the door.’
The guitar cries throughout I Won’t Be Hard To Find. A breakup song full of despair and sorrow. Conversely Connor delivers the message in a style that leaves hope, bringing comfort to those that may be experiencing the emotions portrayed in this song. ‘The heart is such a fickle thing … I’ll be waiting for you’. A beautiful solo soothes the soul and provides reassurance.
I’ll Never Learn lifts the mood as the groovy, big band sound returns. Horns add depth and dimension throughout this album complementing Connor’s guitar. Likewise the harmonies of the backing vocals blend with Connor’s soulful vocals to form a cohesive unit producing a joyous celebratory symphony. The outro features a breathtaking display of Connor’s guitar skills.
A complete change of style for Amelia, an acoustic masterpiece with a haunting vocal which demonstrates Connor’s versatility. ‘See the leaves fall from the trees.. hear the blowing of the breeze’. Beautifully crafted lyrics.
Dying embers become a roaring fire as It Hurts To Be In Love sees the horns return with a swagger culminating in a delightful duel with Limina’s blistering keyboards which is punctuated by Connor’s guitar. Classy musicianship indeed.
Connor’s heartfelt vocals take centre stage for What Else Is There To Say. Helpless and lost Connor ‘captures your heart’ in an emotional plea for help emphasised by the accompaniment of the piano. ‘You gave me love… then you just took it from me’. Quite a tear jerker.
Songbird sees Georgia Van Etten accompany Connor in an acoustic duet, which soothes and comforts as it brings a wonderful album to a close.
Authentic and unique, the blues becomes beautiful in Connor Selby’s hands. The Truth Comes Out Eventually … the truth is Connor Selby has evolved into one of the brightest stars in the blues galaxy.
The Truth Comes Out Eventually is released via Provogue on August 29th.
Pre-order ‘The Truth Comes Out Eventually’ HERE
Tour Dates
01 Aug – Northern Kin Festival
02 Aug – Cousley Woodstock, Tunbridge Wells
20 Aug – Hangar Farm, Southampton
21 Aug – Eel Pie Club, Twickenham
29 Aug – Blues in Hell, Norway
12 Sep – The Old Riverport Blues, St Ives, Cambridgeshire
17 Sep – The Witham, Barnard Castle
18 Sep – Kings Place 2, London
19 Sep – John Peel Centre, Stowmarket
21 Sep – The Forum, Tunbridge Wells
24 Sep – Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh
25 Sep – Hallé St Peter’s, Manchester
26 Sep – Metronome, Nottingham
27 Sep – Beacon Hall, Bristol
28 Sep – Guildhall, Axminster
Tickets are available from HERE.
Photos by Rob Blackham
