Pixy Jones - ‘Bits ‘n’ Bobs’ Review

Pixy Jones is set to release his debut solo album ‘Bits n Bobs’ this month and it’s an eclectic mix ranging from experimental and psychedelic, synth-infused pop numbers, to the known and loved 60’s Beetle’s-esk rock harmonies - as well as the odd country blues nugget thrown in which is paired with the occasional Pixy Jones twist. Talk about an album living up to its name. Consisting of 13 tracks in total, ‘Bits n Bobs’ is truly a solid launch to any solo career.

Whilst Pixy Jones has moved away from the El Goodo era to discover his own sound, there are obvious remnants that have carried over into some of the tracks on the album such as the full-bodied harmonies reminiscent of the bands heavy 60’s rock influences that are found on ‘I Got Lost’ and ‘Hold Your Tongue’. Pixy has crafted a body of work that reflects him as an artist and speaks to some life experiences we could all relate to, whilst still offering a sense of fun and anticipation that urges us to keep listening.

The album opens with ‘I’m Not There’ which recently gained notoriety from BBC 6 Music, Gideon Coe and BBC Radio Wales and it’s not hard to see why - the slow and deliberate musings of a distorted guitar and Pixy Jones’ dulcet vocal melodies welcomes you. Soon joined by the steady beat of drums, you find yourself tapping and humming along to the echoing chorus. A gentle introduction for what comes next.

The next few tracks move between funky blues guitar numbers with dreamy vocal harmonies to emotionally charged, moody and oozing with atmospheric synths beds and everything in Between. ‘Bad Throat’ is a personal favourite as it’s entirely unique and the first time we hear the brass and the woodwind section shines in their own right. They provide a funky layer to the track that contrast the melancholy overtones of the lyrics and the rusty guitar that sits in the background. ‘Bad Throat’ is told from the point of view of waking up with a sore throat and the person’s almost nihilistic view on what happens next. What strikes you about this track is the lyrics and composition work off each other, getting more complex as the story develops.

“I woke in the morning and the sun didn’t shine, I got up early with a weight on my mind’’

In stark contrast, you’ve got ‘Maureen Dreams No More’. An upbeat number with the intrinsic Beatles vibe that feeds your impulse to let loose on the dance floor. Kicking off with layered twangy guitars and synths mirroring the melody throughout, the single is a stand alone anthem that really invites you to move. Vocals wise, it’s harder not to sing along to the catchy ‘Wha Wha Wha’ hooks. It could be said it’s a softer counterpart of ‘Hold Your Tongue’ as there’s a few similarities instrument wise but overall, ‘Maureen Dreams No More’ is in a league of its own.

Rounding the album off with ‘Dewch Draw’, Pixy Jones has come full-circle on the inspiration wheel and returned home. Sung in Welsh, this soft-rock gem seems to represent all the hoops he’s had to jump through to finish this album. It’s a gentle one in which the music alone translates the feeling - a grounding and heartfelt addition to an otherwise wild ride. Overall, Pixy Jones has highlighted his ability to experiment with a number of different genres and styles from different time periods and bravely adding his own unique and instantly recognisable flair to each track. This album is vast, eccentric and keeps you guessing what’s around the corner every time you press play.