In the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary music, certain voices rise above the noise, not just because of their musicality, but because of their message. English singer-songwriter Ian Roland is one such artist, and his latest releases, “Living in Sound” and “Lodestone,” exemplify this beautifully.
At The Sound Cafe, we’ve decided to spotlight both singles in one review — something we don’t often do — but these tracks are well worth the attention. Together, they offer a profound commentary on the role of music in our lives and the challenges facing our cultural landscape today.
“Living in Sound”: A Resonant Anthem for Our Times
Ian Roland’s first release of 2024, “Living in Sound,” is more than just a song — it’s an anthem for an era marked by turbulence and change. In a world where the economic pressures on grassroots music venues have never been greater, Roland’s lyrics resonate with a call to arms for those who believe in the power of music to sustain communities.
The song opens with a gentle yet insistent guitar riff, immediately drawing the listener into its sonic world. There’s a warmth and intimacy in Roland’s vocals that feels like a conversation with an old friend, comforting yet challenging. The lyrics speak to the current economic crisis, where small music venues — the lifeblood of new and emerging artists—are closing at an alarming rate, while massive stadium concerts generate enormous profits. Roland isn’t just singing about this disparity; he’s urging a re-evaluation of how we value and support the arts.
The central theme of “Living in Sound” is the idea that music does more than entertain—it lifts us above the grind and toil of everyday life. Roland’s vision is clear: we are all “living in sound,” and it’s through music that we find the strength to believe in a better future. The chorus, with its soaring harmonies, underscores this message, inviting listeners to join in a collective voice that demands change.
Musically, the track is rich and layered, with each instrument adding depth to the narrative. Dave Coomber’s bass provides a steady foundation, grounding the song even as it reaches for the sky. James Chapman’s drums are both restrained and powerful, driving the rhythm without overwhelming the other elements. Mishkin Fitzgerald’s piano and keyboards add a touch of elegance, weaving in and out of the melody with grace. Her backing vocals blend seamlessly with Roland’s, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose. Simon Yapp’s violin and viola bring a touch of the ethereal, lifting the song to new heights and adding emotional resonance to Roland’s words.
Recorded at Brighton Road Recording Studios by Jake Skinner, the production quality of “Living in Sound” is superb. Every instrument is given space to breathe, and the mix is balanced, allowing the listener to appreciate the nuances of each performance. The mastering, handled by Bob Macciochi at Subvert Central Mastering, ensures that the track sounds pristine on any platform, from streaming services to vinyl.
What makes “Living in Sound” truly special, however, is its message. At its heart, the song is about community — about the ways in which music brings people together, creating bonds that transcend differences. Roland sings of a world where music is not just a commodity to be bought and sold, but a vital force that sustains us, both individually and collectively. In a time when so much of our cultural discourse is dominated by division, “Living in Sound” offers a vision of unity, urging us to rediscover the things that truly matter.
“Lodestone”: The Enduring Power of Music
While “Living in Sound” is a call to arms, “Lodestone,” Roland’s second single of 2024, is a celebration of the enduring power of music to connect us across time and space. Inspired by the sound of church bells echoing across a Sussex village, the song is a meditation on the purity of music and its ability to resonate with the deepest parts of our being.
From the very first notes, “Lodestone” transports the listener to a different place and time. The sound of the guitar, gentle yet insistent, is reminiscent of those church bells, calling the faithful to gather. Roland’s voice is warm and inviting, drawing the listener into the story he’s telling. There’s a timeless quality to the song, as if it’s always been there, waiting to be discovered.
The lyrics of “Lodestone” are steeped in imagery, painting a picture of the English countryside on a Sunday morning. The sound of the bells, rolling across the South Downs, serves as a metaphor for the ways in which music transcends the ordinary, lifting us out of our everyday concerns and allowing our hearts to beat free for a moment. Roland sings of music as a uniting force, one that helps us form shared identities while also appreciating our differences.
Like “Living in Sound,” “Lodestone” features a talented ensemble of musicians who bring Roland’s vision to life. Coomber’s bass and Chapman’s drums provide a solid rhythm section, while Fitzgerald’s piano and Yapp’s strings add layers of melody and harmony. The interplay between these elements is seamless, creating a lush, textured soundscape that supports Roland’s vocals without overshadowing them.
The production on “Lodestone” is equally impressive. Recorded at Brighton Road Recording Studios by Jake Skinner and mastered by Bob Macciochi, the track is a sonic delight, with each instrument clearly defined in the mix. The result is a song that is both intimate and expansive, inviting the listener to lose themselves in its sound.
But what makes “Lodestone” truly resonate is its emotional core. The song is a tribute to the late Gavin Macleod, founder of the Greyhound Acoustic Gathering at the Greyhound Pub in Keymer, and it’s clear that Roland has poured his heart into this track. There’s a sense of loss in the song, but also a sense of hope — hope that music can carry us through difficult times, that it can sustain us even when the world feels overwhelming.
The title of the song, “Lodestone,” is particularly fitting. A lodestone is a naturally magnetized piece of the mineral magnetite, historically used as a compass to guide travelers. In the context of the song, music is the lodestone, guiding us through the challenges of life, helping us find our way when we’re lost. Roland’s lyrics are both personal and universal, speaking to the ways in which music has shaped his life, but also to the ways in which it shapes all of our lives.
Together, “Living in Sound” and “Lodestone” offer a powerful statement about the role of music in our world. They are songs that ask us to consider not just how we consume music, but how we value it. In a time when the cultural landscape is dominated by profit-driven enterprises, Roland’s music reminds us that the true value of art lies in its ability to connect us, to challenge us, and to inspire us.
These singles are a testament to Ian Roland’s skill as a songwriter and musician, but more than that, they are a testament to his belief in the power of music to effect change. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his work, “Living in Sound” and “Lodestone” are essential listening. They are songs that will stay with you long after the final note has faded, echoing in your mind like the church bells that inspired them.
At The Sound Cafe, we’re proud to feature these tracks and to support artists like Ian Roland who are using their music to make a difference. In a world that often feels divided and uncertain, it’s heartening to know that there are voices like Roland’s out there, reminding us of the things that truly matter.
So take a moment, put on these tracks, and let them carry you away. Whether you’re listening on a quiet Sunday morning or in the midst of a hectic day, “Living in Sound” and “Lodestone” will provide a moment of reflection, a reminder of the beauty and power of music. They are songs that speak to the soul, offering not just a listening experience, but a call to action — one that we would all do well to heed.
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