23 musical concepts in 23 lines spanning 23 hours, recorded in 2023 and released on 23 July in a limited version of 23 copies, each containing one of 23 photos: the topic brings to mind 23 pairs of chromosomes, Dr. Pepper’s 23 flavors and Michael Jordan’s shirt range. The EP is a lot of fun and basically exists to make people smile.
According to Wil Bolton, these items were inspired by a number of walks near his East London residence, and that he was fascinated by the juxtaposition of the old and new businesses that exist beneath the railroad tracks, including mechanics and waste traders to microbreweries and handmade bakeries. The community’s audio quality is highlighted by industry recordings.
The simplicity of the songs is refreshing. As previously documented, we have a weakness for pieces of 1-minute tapes, but we’re also pleased that the laws have been bent a little bit, the shortest record is 19 seconds longer, the longest 1: 59. Bolton can make as many selections as he wants, giving him room to express his ideas. The entry” Freight” is an offer of its own, the bridge car entering the city like a future speaker. ” Arches” then establishes a feeling of childish wonder, one can still hear the passing vehicles, but the atmosphere takes center stage.
While Bolton writes of new businesses, he is haunted by the old, tracks such as” Boarded Up”,” Overgrown” and” Scrapped” speak to prior economies and the shifts that can haunt a cherished neighborhood. Sometimes one hears the calm tone of passers-by, although not their specific terms. In” Hazards”, a construction vehicle warns travelers that it is backing up, the adaptations are ongoing. But Bolton introduces notes of sadness, communicating memories through bells and whistles, and in” Baker’s Arms”, the possible noises of a jump.
We’re thankful that Bolton has chosen to do something unique for his 50th Bandcamp transfer, that’s quite an accomplishment for any singer. ( The Rolling Stones have only 31 studio albums. ) The actor is also stretching his limitations, and on 23 he is clearly enjoying himself. One is beginning to consider that this area of East London might be a pleasure to visit and that their own neighborhood may have 23 unique sounds waiting for the right person to come together and document them as” Along the Tracks” does. ( Richard Allen )
