Album Review : The Voluntary Butler Scheme at Breakfast, Dinner, Tea
- Written by Tom Brogan
The debut album from the one man band that is 23 year old Rob Jones, this is a breezy piece of infectious pop. The Voluntary Butler Scheme have been touring the UK as a support act and in low key headline shows for most of this year, and in this time they've built up a dedicated following as well as a collection of songs, both tender and catchy.
The single 'Trading Things In' kicks things off. It's a jolly, upbeat tale of head-over-heels love full of handclaps and harmonies. “If you were broccoli I'd turn vegetarian for you,” Jones sings to his love.
Song titles such as 'Until My Watch Runs out of Battery' and 'Dancing With Ted Danson' sets the VBS stall out early on as gentle whimsy.
Jones' writing follows in the tradition of English songwriters like Difford & Tlbrook, Badly Drawn Boy and Elvis Costello. Many of the songs play out as short stories across landscapes of broken hearts, unrequited love and kazoos. Jones doesn't forget to chuck in a melody and a catchy chorus on top of the love on the dole storytelling.
There's a wide variety of instruments all over the album. From percussion to pianos, brass to guitars Jones utilises his musical abilities to the full here. The production qualities are high, making Jones' lo-fi approach sound by no means lo-fi. Producer Charlie Francis, has previously worked with REM, Turin Brakes and Robyn Hitchcock and he keeps the whole thing well in check here.
The record should find an audience among lovers of indie pop, intelligent lyrics and singalong choruses. The Voluntary Butler Scheme may well be one of British music's best keep secrets, but this album should see the name spread wide.