CREDITS
1
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Writer:
Gustan Koumantaros
Photo Credit:
Aaron Bennett
Science &
Magic!
ANDREW FOSTER’S
CREATIVE MASTERPIECE
Songwriter and musician Andrew Foster presents his first full-length
album, Science & Magic. This 13-track trip is an expertly crafted collection
that heralds the emergence of a talented singer/songwriter. Since bursting onto the scene with his 2012 EPs Russell’s Teapot and New Criterion,
Foster has opened for and supported such acts as Mumford & Sons, Terry
Reid, Passenger, Hard Fi and Charlene Soraia. With Science & Magic, Foster
brings an atmospheric, folk-inspired approach to his arrangements that are
punctuated by flashes of rock and psychedelia. Here is an artist well versed
in tradition, establishing his own unique approach to traditional structures.
Foster tackles several issues and themes in Science & Magic. What’s remarkable is that he somehow manages to avoid being too heavy-handed
with his lyrics. Part of that might have to do with the confident modesty in
his voice—it tackles gravity with a certain optimism that is not only inviting, but inspires a kind of hope.
This is best exemplified in the second half of the
album, where, hands down, Foster’s crowning
achievement is found. “Interstellar,” the ninth
track of Science & Magic, is a staggering piece
of songwriting. The pared down acoustic
arrangement is accentuated by its beautiful
and complex lyrics. If you listen to nothing
else on this album, go out of your way to
experience “Interstellar.”
Science & Magic is Foster’s coming out party.
Here’s hoping this is the launching pad of a
promising career, the first of more albums to
come.
FOSTER
TACKLES SEVERAL ISSUES AND THEMES
IN SCIENCE & MAGIC.
WHAT’S REMARKABLE
IS THAT HE SOMEHOW
MANAGES TO AVOID BEING TOO HEAVY-HANDED
WITH HIS LYRICS.
9 – 24OURMUSIC