EP: “They Say I Don’t Write Love Songs” by The Two Man Travelling Medicine Show

Dorset Musicians The Two Man Travelling Medicine Show is part way through a very busy Summer full of festival appearances; with dates completed so far at Teddy Rocks, Wimborne Minster Folk Festival, BradFest and Wonky Donk Festival with many more to come before the light draws in. The band’s prolific studio production also continues with a new EP released entitled “They Say I Don’t Write Love Songs” which is a four-track affair, recorded with the help of local musician Charlie Draper of Punk/Folk band Sinful Maggie. Frontman Mark Lyons describes the recordings; “these four songs have captured the live energy whilst still delivering their trademark knockout Folk/Punk choruses. This is our “Sgt. Peppers” moment!”

This collection opens with the title track featuring a chuckling banjo, combining with acoustic/electric guitars as a backdrop and layered with infectious rhythms. This is put together with violin and Mark’s ever-present big-hearted vocal. The lyrics expel the contradiction and is a love song for those of us who stay the distance in a deep meaningful long term relationship. The song explains how love can change the way we perceive time, our own body and the world in general. As Climie Fisher once sung “Love Changes Everything”.

“Raise My Glass” is a good old fashioned drinking song where the band truly let their hair down with a carefree hoedown, raising a glass to everything that’s good in this difficult life we live. Here the banjo and the violin really set the mood for a song that is sure to become a live favourite, with lovely harmonies a plenty.

“Hanging on The Bells” reminds me of the 1990’s New Model Army style; with prominent violin, laid over hard-hit rhythms and a great mix of guitars. It’s a great stomping number which has plenty of styles, combining together to make an inspiring track. Singer Mark says that this tune “is a song about the impossible, wonderful dream of awakening from the nightmare of history; to a dog’s life away from the grinding forces of politics”.

All change once again for the final number “Teenage Dreams” where Alison takes over on the vocals, with some delightful work on a much slower paced number where she warns the listener the dangers of nostalgia. She sings over some delicately picked banjo work before the tune has an up-paced melodic middle, before returning to more serine gentleness and a big close.

The Two Man Travelling Medicine Show once again delivers a varied release full of twists and turns, showing that they are not a band that stays still. They are happy to experiment with their songs, engaging with the past and present to bring the listener relevant music.

Track Listing
They Say I Don’t Write Love Songs
Raise My Glass
Hanging the Bells
Teenage Dreams

The Two Man Travelling Medicine Show are…
Mark Lyons – Lead Vocals & Rhythm Guitar
Alison Jay – Violin & Vocals
Rob Vowles – Bass, Guitar & Vocals
Martin Giles – Lead Guitar & Vocals
Chris Pearce – Keys & Vocals
Brad Watt – Banjo & Vocals
Steve Wareham – Slapbox & Vocals
Seb Hartley – Harmonica & Vocals
Jamie Lynch – Lyrics

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