Review: Mordecai Smyth ‘Gather The Scattered Mind’
From the verdant heart of the Berkshire, specifically the charming town of Wokingham, emerges the remarkable figure of Mordecai Smyth, a true modern-day minstrel whose artistry transcends mere performance. More than just a gentleman of music, Smyth embodies a pure and eclectic spirit, manifesting as a gifted multi-instrumentalist whose sonic canvases are well elaborated.
His compositions show an innate ability to seamlessly weave together the most disparate musical threads, integrating every subtle nuance and unexpected inflexion into a breathtaking whole that consistently leaves you mesmerised by the intricate beauty of his arrangements. With a captivating discography spanning four full-length albums, all released under John Blaney‘s esteemed Mega Dodo Records, Mr Mordecai (as I call him) masterfully crafts a sonic imaginary that takes you deep into his unique world. Threads of pure imagination intertwine seamlessly, all set to a harmonically rich and distinctive musical style that constantly evolves and surprises.
His 2011 debut album, Sticky Tapes And Rust, recorded with his wife Tabitha on woodwind, serves as a sublime portal to the most enchanting flowery psych-pop ballads of the ’60s, infused with an Alice in Wonderland-esque atmosphere that recalls the imaginative grandeur of the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Six years later, he delivers The Mayor Of Toytown Is Dead – a truly enchanting work that immediately captivates, exuding a pervasive magic from every pore. Musically, it’s a vibrant multicoloured soundscape that expertly blends the intricate textures of psych-prog rock with the delicate introspection of atmospheric acid-folk ballads. The album sees the collaboration of underground British psych-folk rock musicians such as the captivating, warm folk voices of Catherine Earnshaw and Deborah Pike, each gracing songs alongside Icarus Peel of Icarus Peel’s Acid Reign and The Honey Pot‘s Crystal Jacqueline, and even the legendary Dave Lambert of Strawbs. The collection of songs culminates in his personal cover of Caravan’s classic Golf Girl, complete with Tabitha Smyth‘s backing vocals and a lush array of wind instruments.
With his 2022 third album, Things Are Getting Stranger On The Shore, Mordecai unequivocally elevates his creative prowess, marking it as the pinnacle of his already magnificent oeuvre. A truly cascading musical journey that pulsates with vibrant energy, unfolding like a never-ending fairytale while simultaneously brimming with deeply resonant emotional moments. Here, every song element converges beautifully, forming a breathtaking sonic grandeur, much like a perfectly arced rainbow across the sky.
Adding further depth to this, Mordecainot only engages his usual collaborators but also features the legendary Rainassence bassist Jon Camp on the epic fifteen-minute classic psych prog rock ballad That Late Autumn Sun, performed with Crystal Jacqueline on vocals. While, for me, the standout song remains the exquisitely melodious Out Of Thin Air, beautifully sung by Deborah Pike.
Four years after his acclaimed masterpiece Things Are Getting…, Mordecai returns with a strikingly different album that marks a departure from his previous sound. In a recent conversation we had, he told, ‘My new album features my new band, consisting of local friends – no one famous! Musically, we’ve shifted towards a more art rock style with a contemporary edge yet still incorporate echoes of Pink Floyd.’ The album title, Gather The Shattered Mind, seems to reflect his introspective journey regarding musical direction, a theme that is delivered throughout.
an unforgettable musical experience that eloquently reflects boundless creativity…
This record can truly be deemed his labour of love, weaving together various genres reminiscent of his youth. While it surprises us with its bold blend of late ‘70s and early ’80s influences, it successfully highlights a vibrant mix of post-punk, art rock, psych and prog elements, unveiling Mordecai’s evolution as an artist committed to genuine expression in music. This album is an exquisite journey through diverse musical landscapes, and is, as exemplified by the track, Handed On A Plate, which encapsulates its rich trappings and culminates in a mesmerising raga-like finale featuring John Ruston on sitar. Known for his work in film and television composition, Ruston adds a unique touch to this particular ballad.
The ten tracks on offer effortlessly oscillate between various moods, ensuring that those who listen remain engaged without ever feeling tired. It strikes a delightful balance of enjoyment and fun, showcasing the band’s versatility. Like opener, Armalites And Disco Lights, that bursts with energy while embracing a Bowie-like grit and featuring a stunning saxophone performance by his wife Tabitha, whose contribution to every track is beyond magical.
Sweet ballads are far from lacking within this musical landscape; rather, they form an intrinsic and abundant part of Mordecai‘s artistic world, flowing effortlessly from his creative wellspring. Indeed, the album is suffused with a romantic and lush atmosphere, where tracks like the tender Shire To Youth, the intimate On A Daily Basis, and the wistful closing Was It In Your Head overflow with a profound sense of deep nostalgia and melancholic tenderness.
Musically, these pieces pulsate deeply, thanks to the rich sonic texture meticulously blended by all the talented musicians involved in this truly unique journey. And while it might seem challenging to pinpoint one song that unequivocally stands out, given that each possesses its own distinct and intriguing identity, each listen opens into something new and captivating.
Having listened to Mordecai Smyth‘s music for some years, I can sincerely say that Gather The Shattered Mindin its whole culminates in an unforgettable musical experience that eloquently reflects boundless creativity and masterful artistry, celebrating the pure, unadulterated joy of music in all its exquisite forms. This album isn’t just about hitting the right notes, because Mr Mordecai is far from that; it’s about crafting something meaningful and sharing it with the world. It’s about taking our mind on a journey, offering a moment of escape, and reminding us of the beauty that can be found in sound. It stands as a reminder that music is a powerful force that can connect us all. No matter who and where you are.
Label: Mega Dodo
Band Links: Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram
Scribed by: Domenico ‘Mimmo’ Caccam
