Andy Skellam - Green Moat

Andy Skellam

Green Moat
self-released; 2015

​4.1 out of 5 - TOP ALBUM

​By Matt Jensen
​

Get ready for a good one. Green Moat by Andy Skellam is an exceptional album that will take that covers the melancholy in your soul with an emotionally warm blanket. There are a number of great things about this album but let's start with the fact the Skellam can capture your attention with his vocals and guitar alone. This feat is extremely hard in my opinion not only because there are so many singer/songwriters that sound similar. Skellam won me over because of his excellent guitar picking skills, unique voice and poetic lyrics.

Truth be told I think I would have enjoyed an entire ten songs with just Skellam and his guitar but he doesn’t settle there. Beth Porter (cello), Jamie Whitby Coles (drums) and Jesse D Vernon (bass/violin/keys) and George Morgan (vocals) add a lot to some of theses songs. Take for instance “Lazy Hearted Man “ which is an incredible track. The string work, which includes banjo is pure candy to the ears. That being said the best thing about the track is the balance between melancholy and joy Skellam is able to achieve.  The lyrics are also a step above. He sings, “I'm just a lazy hearted man oh I hope you understand I'd rather die than work these knuckles to the bone quietly dreaming alone.” Just take a listen to this track if you haven't started already. 

Next up is “Ramshackle House” which revolves around guitar, vocals, xylophone and violin. I thought the way the instrumentation crept its way into the song was tasteful and let it breath. For example the violin was used strategically. 

“Horse Called Slow” has a slight Tom Waits vibe while the title track is one of the most melancholy on the album, which puts Skellam’s vocals front and center. The guitar pickin’ on “Green Moat” is gorgeous and the violin adds another emotional layer. HIs lyrics are thought provoking as with the other tracks. He sings, “The snow is so deep the birds starve to death, let's follow the footprints of the one who knows best, the skaters carve all these furrows in my brow, the ice is so thick that it blocks out the sound.”

Another standout yet sparse track is “Let's Build a Boat From Matches.” As the album progresses the songs builds a further case for Skellam’s undeniable talent. 

It didn't take me long to appreciate what Green Moat has to offer. The emotional resonance this heartfelt album has is undeniable and if you spend some time with it I surmise that you will feel the same way I did.

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