Goldust (label)
29 June 2009 (released)
26 June 2009
Already tipped musically by the likes of The Times and The Sun, Honey Ryder (Martyn Shone and Lindsay O’Mahony) have also become no strangers to the business pages of the papers. They have a unique funding model which they have devised themselves (one ½ of the duo is an ex-City worker). The model involves selling shares in the future profits from income they expect to generate. The band have so far raised, completely on their own, an impressive sum of over £250,000 to fund their promotional campaign.
This model has caught the eye of former EMI CEO Eric Nicoli who has taken the role of personal mentor for the duo. And so far the plan is working. Two Top 40 hits have been achieved with their first two singles – ‘Numb’ and ‘Fly Away’, and now on the back of this success the band are re-releasing their debut album, this time with a bonus track – a cover of a little known Roy Orbison track – ‘Love In Time’.
The album, ‘Rising Up’ is a glorious debut, with the group delivering 11 solid tracks, all exceptional well written and produced. Similarities along the way range from Fleetwood Mac to The Cranberries, with hints of Dido, and perhaps even the Carpenters sound in there. It is not a really modern sound that will redefine music, however what you will find are lush melodies, beautiful vocals, exemplary musical accompaniment and a fresh sound. It is one of those albums that you’ll want to play over and over again, and re-discover the quality of the music. New single ‘Love in Time’ is a stripped down acoustic number that allows Lindsay’s vocal range to be fully explored.
As well as the new Roy Orbison cover, the album also includes a Dr Hook cover, in the form of the beautiful ballad ‘Years from Now’. This wasn’t a big UK hit for Dr Hook, but I really think this could be a future Honey Ryder hit. Its simple arrangement is again perfect for Lindsay’s soothing vocals – bliss.
It’s not all slowness though, with tracks like Rising Up providing an almost euphoric feel as it gets going with the chorus at the end. Official closing number ‘Unconditional Love’ delivers a similar powerful chorus to end the album, but look out for ‘hidden’ track ‘Breathe’ – another beautifully delivered ballad that again rises to a magnificent ending.
This is a great debut and well worth a listen
