Paul Roland - 2024 - Morbid Beauty

(54:43; Blue Matter Records)






















Paul first came to public awareness following the release of his debut album ‘The Werewolf of London’ in 1980, which soon became a John Peel favourite, while Rolling Stone described ‘A Cabinet of Curiosities’ as “one of the best albums you’ve probably never heard”. I first came across Paul decades ago when an album of his was released by Black Widow, and we have kept in touch sporadically ever since, and while he has released far more material than I have heard (20+ albums and counting), I have always enjoyed his music and that is the same here. It was originally recorded in 2020 by Paul (vocals, piano, organ, flute, violin, cello, sax and additional percussion) with Jenny Benwell (electric violin), Mick Crossley (lead, rhythm guitars and bass) with Violet the Cannibal (drums) with core songs being the pick of 22 sketches Paul wrote  in one weekend of intense activity to which were then added a few songs he had demoed many years previously. The decision was made to record it as a sparse, stripped down ‘trio’ to distinguish it from his multi-layered other releases.

The recordings then sat awaiting discovery until Nick Saloman (The Bevis Frond) released it on his new label last year on both vinyl and CD. There is something about this album which truly makes us think we have set foot inside a time machine as there is just no way this has come to us from the 21st century, as if you had told me it was written and conceived in the mid Seventies I would not have believed you as there is a naïve approach which is pure psychedelia, and the production and space within the arrangements adding to that impression. The violin is a nice touch, but it is never overplayed, and one soon focuses on the lyrics and while “Candyman” is lightheartedly threatening, there is something rather whimsical about his trip with Captain Beefheart where he picks up a hitchhiker called Jim in “Dreaming of the Lizard King”. The album has a lo-fi underground feeling, as if it is a lost gem from the period just waiting to be discovered, and feels honest, fresh and genuine. If you enjoy this style of music, then here is a nugget out there to be found. 

Kev Rowland, October 2025

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/RealPaulRoland/
https://www.bluematterrecords.com/

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