With influences from the ‘Old School’ of songwriting such as Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, Billy Joel and Jeff Lynne, it comes as no surprise to hear that the music of Michael Armstrong comes with more than a hint of retro style. From the 80’s pop style sax solos to the prominent piano/acoustic mix, his songs seems to come from a different era which – although out of sync with a lot of the pop music you hear these days – still have a real charm to them.
His new double A side single, which will soon be followed by a self-titled debut album, shows two sides of this taste for yesteryear.
First, ‘The Radio Years’ is built around lush production values full of layers and string parts, with a lovely flowing rhythm once the track has fully kicked in. A love song not to a lover, but to the music on the radio he grew up with, it’s as romantic a view of the music industry and the power of great songs as you’re ever going to hear.
The second track, ‘Back To Work’ is somewhat simpler in terms of instrumentation, and has a remarkably upbeat melody considering it’s all about the misery of the working week and the repetition in brings. This one chugs along very nicely too.
The single, released on March 2nd, is a real call to arms for lovers of music from the bygone era of pop. It’s unlikely to find an audience with staunch modern pop fans, but those with an open mind and an appreciation for what’s gone before will find plenty to like here.
