The Story Song Scientists – Quantum Lyrics
Dharma Records – 29 October 2021
In 2019 Findlay Napier and Megan Henwood joined forces for The Story Song Scientists, an EP that showcased their “intelligent songwriting and delightful voices in equal measure”. They return once more for Quantum Lyrics, an EP that delights on so many levels, delivering a choice selection of song-tales, written and co-produced by the duo, that takes the listener on a rollercoaster journey as they explore science, life, humanity and beyond.
Since their debut, they’ve refined their process, and, in keeping with the science theme, the songs on Quantum Lyrics are interspersed with additional ‘specimens’. These interludes, which were written and produced by Henwood, bring a tangible feel to the songs, making clever use of newsreels, soundbites and, in the case of the album opener 1800 And Froze To Death, poetry.
Findlay Napier opens the EP to selected extracts from Lord Byron’s “Darkness”, read to the backdrop of a hellish sounding erupting volcano, the weight of darkness is heavy as he reads Byron’s apocalyptic vision:
I had a dream, which was not all a dream.
The bright sun was extinguish’d, and the stars
Did wander darkling in the eternal space,
Rayless, and pathless, and the icy earth
Swung blind and blackening in the moonless air;
You can almost smell the sulfur as 1800 And Froze To Death begins. The acoustic blues offers the only light to the pervading darkness of the events of 1815 and the eruption of Mount Tambora in Indonesia. The effects were felt across the world, from mainland Europe to North America with the coldest summer on record, resulting in failed harvests, food shortages and rioting.
As throughout the songs on Quantum lyrics, Henwood and Napier handle their songs like test-tube experiments. Each is carefully crafted and balanced with the minimum of ingredients for maximum effect. Little historical snippets are dropped in – Littleport on Spa Fields; Shelly and Frankenstein. These little morsels will feed your curiosity and undoubtedly lead to some post-listening research.
The mood is lightened with Ode To The Man With The Golden Arm. Delicate strings and slightly hushed but intimate vocal duets offer a caressing warmth for the heartwarming tale of James Harrison. Harrison’s blood plasma contains a potent antibody that saved an estimated 2.5 million babies in Australia. Here’s it’s the selfless act rather than the facts that come to the fore “rare gift hero, kindness runs along your veins”. It’s a beautiful highlight with that warmness of the song accentuated further by the radio newsreel that follows, played over the noise of happy cooing babies to the repeated refrain ‘ode to the man with the golden arm’.
Taken from the first words sent over the internet in 1969, Lo and Behold is described as a love story between two rival virtual assistants – Alexa and Siri. Set to a country barroom theme, it finds the duo at their funniest as they explore A.I. romantic possibilities. There are some memorable dry lines throughout: “You’re in palms, you’re in pockets, you’re the smart in their phone, While I’m stuck on a cold shelf ,’cos I work from home.” This humour extends into Specimen 4 that follows the song, featuring answers from Alexa and Siri and ending on “I’ve never ever broken wind”.
Taking its title from William Powell’s 1971 DIY book The Anarchist Cookbook, they turn their attention to one of the most notorious books of the last century, which included instructions on making LSD and homemade explosives. It was written in response to Nixon and the Vietnam war and Powell’s treatment at the hands of police during a peaceful protest. A few years after its publication, Powell tried to remove it from circulation after converting to Anglicanism. The book appears to have weighed heavily on his shoulders for the rest of his life as he made continued appeals to have it removed from print. The book’s publisher, who also owned the copyright, kept it in circulation. Powell later founded a non-profit organisation helping children with special education needs. He died in 2016; the book is still in circulation. As with many of the songs here, Napier and Henwood examine the story from a more personal angle with the gentle acoustics emphasising the weight of Powell’s sorrow, his frustration, remorse and guilt.
There was ink on my fingers
And blood on my hands
Wish it was fiction
Wish it was banned
Balancing the dark with the light, they end on the uplifting Clouds. In 2006, Gavin Pretor-Pinney published “The Cloudspotter’s Guide’, a best seller and the inaugural publication of ‘The Cloud Appreciation Society’ which some perceived as a mantra for a way of life. In that book’s introduction, he begins, “I’ve always loved looking at clouds. Nothing in nature rivals their variety and drama; nothing matches their sublime, ephemeral beauty.’ That very sentiment is carried aloft here. Henwood and Napier’s gorgeous harmonies bring a lullaby-like quality to the song; they could ease the most restless to a peaceful sleep. Their poetic lyrics celebrate that transient beauty, from Cirrus and “her locks of white hair” to weather-lore “Silver scales, grey mare tails, Make lofty ships carry low sails…”.
The song is followed by the final Specimen, a reading of The Cloud Appreciation Society’s manifesto.
We believe that clouds are for dreamers and their contemplation benefits the soul. Indeed, all who consider the shapes they see within them will save on psychoanalysis bills.
And so, we say to all who’ll listen:
Look up, marvel at the ephemeral beauty, and live life with your head in the clouds.
It’s the perfect ending, a reminder that we all need to take time out to just be in the moment. These two clearly have.
Napier and Henwood have struck gold with Quantum Lyrics. It’s a masterful stroke of lyrical genius, a perfectly formed musical bundle filled with joy, reflection, humour, wisdom and knowledge. They are lyricists of the highest order, and their musings will delight many with their engrossing tales underpinned by their philosophical ruminations.
An absorbing, astute and ingenious EP from a very gifted duo. I can’t recommend it enough.
Supported by Arts Council England, Quantum Lyrics will be released on October 29 on the Dharma Records label, distributed by Proper Music Distribution and available on digital platforms.
Bandcamp: https://meganhenwoodfindlaynapier.bandcamp.com/album/quantum-lyrics
The EP will be showcased on a UK tour in November, and there will be a special Live To Your Living Room streamed gig on November 11. Henwood and Napier will also perform their own solo sets in support.
Nov 2 OXFORD Holywell Music Room
Nov 3 LONDON Green Note
Nov 4 WINCHESTER The Hyde Tavern
Nov 5 PENZANCE The Acorn
Nov 6 BELPER Old Kings Head
Nov 7 BATH The Bell Inn
Nov 9 BIRMINGHAM Kitchen Garden Café
Nov 11 LIVE TO YOUR LIVING ROOM Live streamed gig https://livetoyourlivingroom.com/events/the-story-song-scientists/
Nov 12 GLASGOW The Glad Café Nov 13 UP HOLLAND (Lancs) St Thomas the Martyr Parish Church
https://www.storysongscientists.com/
http://www.meganhenwood.com/
https://www.findlaynapier.com/