Introducing... Axel Loughrey

"I'm proud of it, it's a work of art. My art. It's real music, it's a fresh sound and style and something new for a generation being fed fast food for the ears." Axel Loughery 

   This week i've managed to get my hands on Axel Loughrey's new album, 'Crayon Factory' and I have to say it ain't half a treat.
   Axel is a solo artist from London. He's managed to raise some eyebrows with his debut EP 'Love Thing' which was released back in 2011. Well deserved airing on Kerrang, Q and BBC, and his constant gigging around the county, helped Axel to claw himself into the British music scene which made him what he is today and give him the loyal fan-base he has. Support slots alongside the likes of Frank Turner, The King Blues and The Future Heads have surely helped him pick up his fans on the way. Axel's fans proved themselves when he received over 70000 votes to play at Orange Unsigned. No wonder he has such a following, with his edgy tunes and bluesy voice Axel was bound to make a strong following.
    For the past year and a half, Axels turned his attention to 'Crayon Factory'. Setting up shop to record the new album in a converted barn in North Norfolk, along with his 18 piece band and Mercury Prize nominated co-producer Owen Morgan, who has helped Axel to create just exactly what he wanted. The budget of both the label, and Axel himself became stretched and the album became a standstill at one point. But with the help and support of Pledge Music, Axel managed to raise 101% of his budget for the album, purely from the donations of his loyal fans. So after all that, here it is...  

   The album starts with a stunner, Snow White Blues. Axel's jazzy-rocky-blues style is highly on display. With the Gritty chords and edgy vocals it creates the perfect opening track to introduce you to Crayon Factory. Next up is the more raw Rosetta. Starting off with a crunching guitar solo, fading off to signature vocals and back up. The funky guitar lines make stick in your head and has you singing 'Rosettaaaaaa...'. Track 3, Bad Trip. Axel shows of his sensual and musically sexual side, with his smooth jazz groove. A gripping saxaphone solo at the start sends you hypnotized. Reminds me of an old 50's American jazz lounge, which makes you reminisce within the music. Easy & Sleazy picks up the pace, with old rock and roll vibes, almost Elvis like. Takes me to a 50's American diner, where everyone's up on their feet and enjoying the music, and you just cant help but have them hips jiggling. Smile is next up. It's sombre tones remind my of Johnny Cash, and Axel's Harrowing vocals give off tones of The Verve's Richard Ashcroft. A mixture of painful lyrics and spine-tingling vocals help the audience to connect with every word muttered. The fresh bluesy sounds of Lie Lie, Cry Cry are next on Crayon Factory. A high-octane mixture of blur like guitar chord progressions and woodwind instruments, help display Axel's very diverse style of music. Track 7, The Key. This could be a massive hit. The solo at the start and throughout the song is very Oasis like. Something you can imagine going to a gig, getting a little bit drunk and singing every word back to him as he is owning the stage. Next up the very psychedelic A Room Without A View. This reminds me very much of The Cure. It grabs every inch of your mind and makes you listen right down to the last note. It has an almost trance effect, makes you sway to every chord. Track 9 is the beautiful No No. This time Axel tones it down, displaying to us his superb vocals, and amazing musical skills. Building up simple guitar, bass lines, banjo and orchestral strings to an atmospheric masterpiece. One to kick off the slippers, sit up cosy and relax to. Then True Friend is presented to us, which is your classic Rock n Roll/Blues song. Strong chords, echoing vocals, typical heavy drum beat and the most perfect accompanying guitar melody line. Outright the best track on album, destined to be a hit. Back to the smooth jazzy style, but mixed with rock/blues in Vultures. Reminds me of the old 5-bar-blues I used to play as a kid (obviously a lot better than that). Snappy drum beat, gritty chords, lovely little woodwind melody. Love the rocky side of Axel and i'm sure you lot will love it too. Axel closes out with the gorgeous The Art In Choosing Not To Stay. This tracks my second favorite track on the album. It mixes your typical acoustic song with a country barn dance twist. Very pleasing to the ear and a perfect way to end the album.

   All in all, Axel's created one hell of an EP. I have to say its very mixed, and every inch of different is nothing short of amazing. Many mixtures of styles and inspirations will bring in a more diverse group of fans, as it has a lot to offer for every type of person. A lot of time, effort and passion has gone into this amazing album. With mine and many others opinions, it just proves that 'Crayon Factory' will be the album that brings Axel into every day life. So go buy it!

Released on 26th November on All Sorted!?! records, perfect little gift for Christmas i'd say.
Oh and he also plays his first live gig with a full band on 9th December at the Fiddler's Elbow in Camden London.