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Track listing:
01 - Raising My Own Hell
02 - Dear Mama
03 - Patience Of A Saint
04 - Four Letter Word
05 - Shoes
06 - Shadow Boxing
I feel a little guilty about how long it has taken me to review this Ep, it was released last year, and Toby has just completed a short acoustic tour to promote it, but its a real gem of a release so here goes... Former Little Angels, Gun, Fastway and Dio's Disciples frontman Toby Jepson returns with "Raising My Own Hell". Somehow managing to find the time to write and record this Ep whilst fulfilling producer duties for the likes of The Answer, Saxon and The Virgin Marys. Here he opts for a stripped down acoustic sound. The Ep features six wonderful songs which really do showcase his songwriting well. "Raising My Own Hell" opens up proceedings and sets the scene well with its raw acoustic guitar / vocal driven feel. A good solid start. "Dear Mama" is up next, with its lush Hammond layers. Another great song, could make a great full blown electric rock track! A side note, this song has a real Little Angels feel to it for me, and that's got to be a good thing! "Patience Of A Saint" follows, a more melodic track, with a slower tempo and a lyrical theme that may raise a few eyebrows. Again another great song, I love it. "Four Letter Word" is up next, a great song with a Toby delivering a great vocal, not a really a ballad, but it has a real laid back feel to it. "Shoes" follows, this is the ep's most gentle and melodic track, its ballad if you will. A beautiful little song with some heartfelt lyrics. "Shadow Boxing" closes out the ep, a great song, I can imagine that this must have gone down a storm on Toby's recent acoustic tour.
This is a real gem of a release as I said earlier. Essential for any long term fans of the versatile singer / songwriter and producer, and a great introduction for anyone curious in the former Little Angel.
Highly Recommended
Rating - 10/10
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