Reviewed by Ian Phillips.
By Wilding, Half A Cow Records 2020.
Liverpool born but now Melbourne based Wilding (Justin Wilding Stokes) is one of the most interesting indie-pop artists I’ve come across in a long time.
One listen to his latest album was enough to convince me that we’ve got an undiscovered gem living amongst us and I’m wondering why he isn’t a household name.
The Death Of Foley’s Mall is an amazingly accomplished album and reveals an artist who has mastered his craft.
He is not only an excellent performer but he’s also a wonderful songwriter.
It’s nearly impossible to listen to this album without smiling, there’s a joy that emanates from every track.
Having originated in Liverpool, England, Wilding in imbued with the musical heritage of his birthplace.
The Death Of Foley’s Mall is like taking a trip through the history of British pop.
I’m constantly reminded of some of my favourite bands and Wilding himself acknowledges the influence of his early years in Liverpool.
He grew up to a soundscape of Scouse bands like The Beatles, Gerry & The Pacemakers, The Merseybeats and The La’s but you can hear influences from all over Britain in his songs.
Wilding is a veritable encyclopedia of British music.
He’s a blend of ‘60s psychedelic pop, ‘90s Britpop and modern-day psych-folk/rock of The Wombats.
The musicality of the Beatles, the authentic local voice of The Kinks, quirkiness of 10CC, excitement of XTC and The Stranglers and even touches of Blur’s grittiness, they’re all there in an intoxicating blend of intriguing and dreamy pop that completely immerses the listener.
The Death Of Foley’s Mall is a concept album and all the songs were written about people who live in his suburb of Coburg in Melbourne.
We’re introduced to a series of idiosyncratic individuals who people his world from the old age pensioner who terrorises shoppers on his mobility scooter (Speed King of the Commonwealth) to the desperation of the love seeker searching for happiness via on-line dating (Swipe Right).
Wilding’s songs are intelligent and beautifully crafted.
There are anthems for the pandemic such as The World Will End Today, which postulates colonising the stars as a solution to the catastrophic events we’re encountering, and I Will Recover which we know we will do.
This album is a real find and I believe it should finally bring Wilding to the attention of the mainstream music press.
I will be exploring his back catalogue. Look him up on YouTube.
