2P SOLDIERS

January 15, 2021

2P SOLDIERS

2p Soldiers is the project of composer and producer David Paul Phillips (the name 2p Soldiers refers to a local toy shop that sold toy soldiers for 2p). David has previously produced in London and Bristol, he was heavily influenced by the music there and took those influences to Shakespeare Country, near Stratford-Upon-Avon England, where he now stays. His influences come from electronic legends Kraftwerk, Jean Michel-Jarre and Ryuichi Sakamoto/YMO, with others suggesting that there is a mix of influences in his music from Air, Royksopp, Ulrich Schnauss, Belbury Poly and Zero 7. He also infuses a lot of classical influences, particularly in his piano playing, be it Bach, Erik Satie, and a love for the late 60s The Beatles and Beach Boys sound. His latest album 'A White Painted Piano' encompasses all those influences from the electronic to the classical to the late 60s. For me on listening to this album the violin/piano parts mainly, really reminded me of the style of composers The Newton Brothers in their soundtracks from 'The Haunting of Bly Manor/Hill House', they both bring out similar emotional and intense atmospheric soundscapes that really captures your attention.

You can put David's sound into a range of styles from ambient, electronic, down-tempo, chill, classical and trip hop, but of course not limited to these.

After listening to the first couple of songs, opening track 'Reason' and 'Hurtz' you begin to understand that this album is not about the lyrics but about feeling the music and the atmosphere that it creates. Both tracks lean on the orchestral vibe, with the stunning emotive ballad melody from the piano, combining the electronic elements really complement the piano and the violins in a way that makes you feel both uplifted and tugs at your emotions as well. 'Hurtz' has a much deeper emotional pull to it, the piano melody and chord progression is just so heartfelt and there is a feeling of deep sadness underneath.

'Sugar' is the first of the electronic tracks we hear on the album, unlike what we heard with 'Reasons' and 'Hurtz' and the strong emotional pull they both had, 'Sugar' is lighter in texture with a funkier rhythm accompanied by a groovy melody on the keys that will get toes tapping. The electronic robotic vocal style heard repeating word of "Sugar" is a really nice unexpected contrast to the previous tracks.

'Nostalgia' is the only track where we hear a vocal lyric flow, but still not the main feature of the track, it sits in the background letting the piano, violin and percussive sections takeover to create a wide spacious atmosphere. One thing I have noticed is the use of reverb to really build on that roomy ambience where you feel like you are sitting in a theatre listening to this album.

'A White Painted Piano' is a stunningly serene and peaceful, pure piano ballad, the gradual crescendo takes you with it and you just feel so calm and relaxed with this one, the delicate piano melody is a pleasure to listen to.

'Mostly Harmless' has a similar vibe as 'A White Painted Piano' just with a little more intensity injected into the tempo and a little more velocity in the instrumentation. It is a nod to David's fondness to the work of Douglas Adams.

'Sempre' is very electro in style, with a heavier use of the electro drums and percussive elements, the piano pushed to the back and a large amount of reverb sitting on it. The effectiveness of the repeating bassline allows all the other elements to dance and move over the top.

'Good Morning (And I Miss You)' and 'Aestival 65' both sound like the type of songs that would wake you up in the morning, how the synths are played makes it bright and open, two great little sunshine pieces.

'Prelude and Fugue No 1 in C major' is yet a different sound again, we hear a little industrial electro with this one along with the funkier groove that sounds like it would fit very well within a vintage computer game.

The last track on the album 'Tai Haku' brings back the similar emotive piano ballad with the violins as we heard with 'Reasons', the synths and keys melodies encompass the track, allowing the album to come full circle and finish it off with a breathtaking atmospheric number.

What I love about this album is that every track is completely unique and different from the each other but hold key similarities of electro, orchestral and the large use of space. It doesn't deter or step off from the overall style of the album, even though there is no lyrics as such, or a vocal that is the main focus point, the piano and keys are the lyrics, not spoken lyrics but melodic lyrics and it is just beautiful to listen to. A stunning album that has moments of calmness alongside moments of strong intensity and it will definitely put it's arms around you and pull you in, where you find yourself so submerged and before you know it you have listened to the full piece.