Scottish singer-songwriter Rory Butler's latest release 'Window Shopping' immediately brings to mind the 60s, but juxtaposed with modern times. On the first listen through, without looking at any publicity material – Nick Drake came to mind. On reading the press release, I learn that Nick Drake, John Martyn, and James Taylor inspired the artist to learn guitar by ear.
Rory wrote ‘Window Shopping’ to channel his frustration at cyber addiction and the subsequent detachment from human interaction and the skewed reality it creates. It comes across in his tongue in cheek, yet sensitive interpretation of modernity. Even the album artwork cleverly depicts a Picasso-esque distortion of the selfie. The image was specially created for the album by Gothenburg-based artist Cameron Watt.
These are memorable, intelligent, melodic songs about serious subjects. In particular, ‘That Side of the World’ on how social media numbs our most human instincts, with the Syrian refugee crisis as example. Remember the image of the little boy washed up on a Mediterranean beach? Rory says that was his wake up call.
I was hit by how the image triggered an emotional response to the crisis. The photograph seemed to have the impact of making things heartbreakingly real. I often struggle with how strongly I can feel about things, and yet how far they have to go before I act. This song is a reminder not to let that happen.
‘That Side of the World’ is just one of the stand out tracks. I warmed to each and every song, in particular, the opening track and lead single ‘Tell Yourself’ as well as ‘Lost and Found’.
I was reminded of John Martyn. Indeed, one of his formative career experiences was being invited to perform at the John Martyn gathering in 2016 – a dream come true. And he must have done something right as he’s been invited back each year since.
BBC Scotland described Rory as “the most exciting Scottish talent to emerge in recent times”. He has opened for folk legend Richard Thompson, Paul Weller, and Lucy Rose to mention a mere few.
‘Window Shopping’ is an insightful, reflective, incisive album, as well as being a pleasure on the ear. It’s intelligently crafted and thought-provoking, in particularly the tracks ‘Window Shopping’ and ‘Lynda’s Café’. It certainly calls to mind that social distancing across the globe, and the subsequent lack of human interaction is a wake-up call to analyse our own perspective on humanity.
‘Mind Your Business’ was inspired by the photo essay most of us will be familiar with from social media, by Eric Pickersgill called ‘Removed’ – in which the photographer brilliantly captured people going about their every day live glued to their phones, then edited the devices out of their hands. Rory’s analysis is one of exasperation at the gormless and comical expressions of people disconnected from their environment.
The record was written and recorded between his hometown of Edinburgh and London, where he collaborated with like-minded industry professionals to help raise the support and funding required.
Rory makes songwriting seem and sound effortless. He is a natural talent. His artistry shines through the veneer of ‘Window Shopping’. This one is here for the long term. We will definitely be hearing more of Rory Butler, and I for one, look forward to it.