Toby Jepson and the Whole Truth - Look Out (Vol 1)

A wee bit about me and Toby, that may sound familiar but I feel I do know him. He was one of the guys who got me through lockdown with his regular Facebook sessions for fans. I loved him in Gun, all those years ago and Wayward Sons were one of the first bands I saw after lockdown, ironically, I caught Covid that night!

This is not a Little Angels album though, nor is it just a Toby Jepson rather it's an album by Toby Jepson and the Whole Truth. This, I think, is important as it immediately lets the listener know this more than rock and roll record, this is a statement. This is a collection of truths and feelings. This is going to be something of an outpouring.

This is underpinned from the start of the recording. The album begins with an introduction from Toby. He nails his colours to the mast. “This explores themes associated with mental health struggles, their impact and how I sought to overcome them”. Wow. I was now plugged in and was looking forward to the six songs that were to come.

“Alone with You” kicks things off. This has a familiar, powering rock riff underpinning the song. My head was bouncing along and by the last chorus I was singing along. Whilst the mental health themes seep out in bits – there are references to feeding sharks and the light being dark; it blasts out in others “the only time I feel alright and got nothing left to prove…”. This track sets the bar in terms of tone and content for the album and is a high bar. This is a track that any rock fan will find easy to connect with.

Next up, “Sweet Smell of Success” takes the listener on a trip around hanging out with the right people and how easy it can be to become just a little too self-absorbed. The track is a toe tapper and the addition of a set of horns really sets it out. I enjoyed this one.

I always like a tune that builds. “What Will It Take” starts off all piano and voice before crescendoing into a full operatic piece of music. “Throw it Away” takes us back to a good old rock riff as the words centre on the importance of getting rid of some of the debris we all have but keeping the good stuff.

“One Track Mind” has a bit of a sixties soul underpinning a reflective song about looking to the past and knowing that there were times when “you should have known better”.

The final track had a bit of a Beatles-esque start for me before this guitar and sone number covered familiar ground of love and keeping others safe.

This is a short record, with no song lasting longer than three and a half minutes. It takes a skill to pack a punch into such a short lick and Toby manages to do just that. The intention of this record is to address some heavy stuff, and that stuff is addressed but in a positive way. Musically, it is upbeat, my head was banging and my toe tapping, I even did a soul sway during “One Track Mind” as I drove through the hinterland of Fife. Due to the mix, the words have to be hunted for at times whilst at others they are right in front of you. I guess the same applies to the interpretation; at times their meaning is clear whilst at others a bit of thought is required to really ‘hear’ what is being said.

There is no doubt this is a personal album and there are another two to follow in the series, it is not, however, a private album. Jepson has rolled up his sleeve and stuck his heart right on it. As a listener, I really appreciate that honesty and bravery.

And just like that it was over. I had not yet made it past Perth and the record was finished. I still had many miles to go, my tank was still pretty full however, the humbugs were gone. There was nothing left to do but stick it on again. It certainly bears repetition and repeated it was all the way to Thurso.

Get it on a device near you. You’ll enjoy it and, if you are anything like me, you will appreciate Toby’s Whole Truth. I’m looking forward to volume 2.