James Yuill - 'Turning Down Water For Air' (2008)

1. You Always Do
2. Left Handed Girl
3. No Pins Allowed
4. This Sweet Love
5. Head Over Heels
6. Ghost
7. No Surprise
8. Over The Hills
9. How Could I Lose
10. She Said in Jest
11. Breathing In
12. Somehow

I first came across James Yuill whilst listening to A-Trak's 'Infinity + 1' album. Contained at the end of the compilation was 'This Sweet Love', the stand out track from 'Turning Down Water For Air'. The version I speak of was a remix by Prins Thomas but takes nothimg away from the original. It merely brought the work of this man to my ears.

So, James Yuill. A one man band from London creating music with his acosutic guitar, laptop and synth. Otherwise known under the oddly named folktronica. Stories of James' personal life are ever present throughout his music, and this album is no different.

The album opens with the acoustic only number 'You Always Do' with his personal ode to Marion , asking 'won't you stay?' A nice introduction to the album ahead. Next is 'Left Handed Girl' where we first hear the samples, synth and intricate picking of the acoustic to accompany the sounds. A structure we hear very much throughout the rest of the album. More romance in this song when he speaks of 'I'm your right handed man, and you're my left handed girl.' 'No Pins Allowed', similar in sound to the previous song but with more beat to the song, has a bit more angst when speaking of what I can only assume is the trials and tribulations of young marriage.'This Sweet Love', is up next. This song is a particular favourite of mine, bringing out my soppy side. The song in itself starts off with a little guitar riff looped over and then introduces a beat which continues on throughout the song. James uses his voice wonderfully in this song and when the synth 'solo' comes in, you can't help but feel happy about yourself. Some nice xylophone action comes into the next song 'Head Over Heels', although I am not sure exactly what he is trying to say with this one. A bit darker than the other tunes, especially with the added voices during the song. 'The Ghost' seems to speak of a break up with James asking when he will see his children lying in his arms. A bit teary but a great tune. 'No Surprise' is the upbeat number on the album with big beat, same style looping guitar riff and good vocals to accompany it all. The xylophone solo towards the end is also a pleasant extra.The album seems to speak of both heartbreak and what if? So when 'Over the Hills' comes in it sounds upbeat and happy talking about running around with his children. Somewhat the opposite of what was mentioned in 'The Ghost'. More acoustic in 'How Could I Lose'. It starts with guitar, bringing in the ukulele, cello and then layering it all together to create quite the heartfelt number. 'She Said In Jest' is a sad song talking about things going wrong and what can only seem like an argument ensuing afterwards. Slow acoustic followed by a fast moving drumbeat makes up this one. 'Breathing In' is a slow acoustic number with a nice beat in the background, with some added piano, speaking of the waiting for someone to come back to him. The album finishes with 'Somehow', a lovely acoustic duet with female accompaniment. Not the happy ending we were hoping for, but somehow (no pun intended) a romantic sounding song which is actually pointing out someone's flaws.

All in all a lovely album for a quiet day. Whether you are feeling blue or happy, this album will have something for you. I am not sure how long James can carry this style of music without bringing something/someone else in, but for now I will continue to enjoy what work he has. The album is basically as story of all emotions love has to offer or throw at us.