by Charlie Croft

The Derby based songwriter’s second album is a reassuring and comforting presence

Despite the world coming to a grinding halt in 2020, Derby based singer/songwriter, Tom Bright, has shown no signs of slowing down – releasing his debut LP, Self-Service Checkout, last year, and now Legacy; a sublime selection of tracks brimming with heartfelt melodies and sentimental strums to boot. Mastered at Abbey Road Studios, Legacy offers another snapshot into Bright’s infectious writing style, eased along with his charismatic and relatable storytelling.

Folk earworm, Chip Off The Old Block, features British Baroque Rock’s Ed Harcourt (who also produced the album), and digs into the trials of family relationships, accompanied by spirited strings and consoling harmonies. Americana-tinged title track, Legacy, speaks of the honest plight of a man working to the bone in the hope he’ll leave something memorable behind – combining prominent piano with jovial guitars. Folk pop’s Sam Brookes joins the songwriter on Ropes – a stripped back acoustic offering which exposes the recognisable rasp of Bright’s vocals. The Man Who Knows That What He Knows Is Nowt is a playful take on Socrates’ Defence by Plato and is another example of how the Derbyshire artist brings some much-needed light to the dark.

Legacy carries the same tenderness of an old friend or companion, and exudes the same contentment felt when sat under a ray of sunbeams – a reassuring and comforting presence. The brightness of his name literally jaunts across each vignette to lend a helping hand – if you’ll lend an ear.

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