The return of Andy Yorke

One of the most underrated songwriters to have ever come from the UK, Andy Yorke first came to prominence with his band Unbelievable Truth. A haunting, intense and soulful collection of incredibly talented musicians, Unbelievable Truth showed that they could more than hold their own with Andy's brother Thom and his band, the widely-acclaimed Radiohead. Unbelievable Truth released two studio albums, Almost Here and Sorrythankyou in 1998 and 2000 respectively, and a retrospective collection of live, rare and unreleased tracks in 2001, Misc Music. All showed the talent and immense songwriting skills that Andy possessed, but sadly, commercial success never materialised, although an extremely loyal fanbase arose.

Leaving the band in 2000, Andy decided to take a complete break from the music scene, and fans feared that the writer of intimately beautiful songs such as Angel, Advice To A Lover and Stone would never again grace them with his emotively melancholy voice. Then, almost from nowhere, Andy realised that he still loved and felt music intensely, as was shown in the collection of songs he'd written during his hiatus. It was then he decided to get in touch with some of his old friends from both his Unbelievable Truth days and other bands, and return with his solo stuff. And it's a more than welcome return for this intelligent wordsmith.

Still with a hint of Unbelievable Truth about them, but indelibly touched with a more gentle, almost reminiscing side, the new songs are just as beautiful and inspiring as his band were. Simple, from the forthcoming album to be released early 2007, is exactly that - a simple, beautiful love song. With the gentlest of acoustic guitar, and a cello-like deepness resonating in the background, it is atypical of Andy. And when he starts singing, it's with a voice that has the power to make the hairs on the back of your neck rise. Not really sounding like anyone else, it fills and wraps around each song perfectly.

Mathilda is another finely crafted piece of involving songwriting. From the quietest of openings, it just builds and builds, introducing strings to the mix to amazing effect. And not once is there a feeling that they're put there to be in with the current trend for strings and wind instruments in songs - in fact, it could be said that this was a trademark sound that both Andy and Unbelievable Truth brought to bear.

And this is the beautiful thing about Andy Yorke, and his music, whether it's with songs like Mathilda, or other tracks from his impending debut release, such as Found The Road or Ode To A Friend. Each track feels like it was written as the only song Andy would ever write, and he puts his heart and soul into every one.

Although his previous band may not have tasted the success it should have, and caused Andy to disappear for over five years, this may be the time at last for him to enjoy the acclaim he so thoroughly deserves. A tour will also be announced to coincide with the album release.

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