top of page

Mini-Album Review: Toby and the Whole Truth - Look Out! Vol 1 (2024)


Written: 2nd November 2024


To fans of British rock music, Toby Jepson needs no introduction having been a popular artist since the 1980s and his days as the frontman of the much missed Little Angels. Following time as solo artist, the singer for bands such as Gun and Fastway and the main driving force behind Wayward Sons, Jepson found himself awash with new creative ideas following two years of therapy to tackle his mental health struggles. This has ultimately led to the reformation of Toby and the Whole Truth and the release of Look Out! Vol.1, a mini-album containing the first six of a twenty song collection.


Jepson explains, “I’ve called the album collection ‘Look Out!’ as it seemed to focus the idea of recovery in a very specific way – be aware, take care, be warned, but be open and always on the look out for the truth, the love and the light. It is an interesting phrase; it means many things. It is inherently a warning, a shout, a declaration or a written announcement. Secondly, you can BE the Look Out, the one seeking something, taking care to make sure your eyes are open and observant, and thirdly it’s a place, an actual physical structure or possibly an imagined vantage point from where we observe and watch.”


The first track is an introduction from Toby himself explaining the background behind the project and that while the lyrics may delve into different elements of personal inner turmoil and mental wellness, he clearly has found the process agreeable. “This record is the most joyous I have ever made, the most fun I ever had recording and presents a positive treaty between myself and the world. An oral document, if you will, that recognises love in all its glorious forms is the only true human condition we should ever have to endure.”


First song Alone With You is an upbeat rocker with the feel of AC/DC. Unrelenting and irresistible, it is the perfect opening track for the mini-album and indeed the whole Look Out! collection. There is an honesty to all of Toby Jepson’s music and here the music lays a wonderful foundation for the juxtaposition of the upbeat rhythms, addictive riffs versus the inner turmoil reflected in the words. Lyrically, it evokes the transformative power of love, where the presence of protagonist’s beloved presence catalyses a transcendence of his mundane existence and feelings of inadequacy. You really got me / I’m hooked on your design / Can't fight the feeling / Ain't got the time.


Sweet Smell of Success – including the welcome addition of brass trio Dave Kemp (saxophone), Stuart Wilkinson and Ian Chalk (trumpet) -  hints at Jepson’s time with Little Angels. A funky swagger, bluesy inflections and energetic vibe once again bely the darker nature of the lyrics, which tackle the enchanting allure but deceptive nature of fame and fortune. I’m stepping out / On broken glass / Big boys toys / Spending cash / Northern soul / With Southern eyes / Where fakes not real / Just plastic lies. 



A staccato piano riff – again from Dave Kemp – opens What Will It Take? and there is an aura of unresolved questions in the air. As the track develops, further delightful piano joins with a glorious explosion of strings and the song ignites into something altogether more epic and balladic. Jepson is one of the best British singers of the last thirty-five years and here it shows; his voice continues to sound incredible. He pours every ounce of emotion he has to offer into this glorious song. It is also easy to overlook the small but important lead guitar licks that inhabit the track, including the short motif during the last ten seconds of the track.


Throw It Away returns us to musical territories that initially appear simpler. However, time and time again, Toby Jepson has written songs that burrow under the skin and demand repeated listens. Backed by a virulent punk-like pulse, a compelling chorus and driving percussion from Matthe Eldridge, Throw It Away is a reflection on resilience, self-worth and defiance against criticism with the protagonist underlining their unwavering commitment to valuing their own efforts and achievements, regardless of external negativity. They tried killing my words with a poison pen / Killing my words with a poison pen / My hard bitten rivals / They might swallow me whole / I’ve become a disciple / Of their hyperbole.


Penultimate song One Track Mind has a nostalgic feel to the music, relaxed and venturing towards R&B in the vein of something Squeeze might produce. The horns trio return and as listeners, it is easy to hear the fun the band had recording these songs. Just when we might think Look Out! Vol.1 could not become more varied, the strangely infectious The One Turns Out The Light ends the mini-album with a blend of oompah, country, banjo and Sgt. Pepper era Beatles embellishments. Those who have followed Jepson’s career will know that he has embraced a range of sounds in his music and he makes no apology for the variation that runs through this mini-album. “I hope you like it, I’m sure some of you will be scratching your heads, but I view that as a good thing – after all, life would be boring if everything you expected was always there, unchallenged and vanilla.” 



With Look Out! Vol.1 Jepson has allowed himself total freedom and while some may regard the tracks as a little fragmented in terms of cohesion, it is actually refreshing when an artist loosens the reins and allows the music to flow honestly and without restriction. As Toby explains, “If I’ve learned one thing over the years that still stands it’s that you can’t plan anything, you must be brave enough to accept what is being presented even if it feels wrong sometimes because really, there is no wrong or right when it comes to music, just different – the skill is to let it happen and hope for the best.”


Fans of Toby Jepson, both the musician and the man, will be thrilled by this collection of songs and with Jepson being completely open about the nature of the lyrics, many will no doubt draw comfort or further understanding of themselves from the messages within. In Toby’s words, “It’s a collection of songs that hope to enlighten, inform and give you information that might help you to see from a different perspective.” It will also appeal to those unfamiliar with his work who value artists committed to candid, well crafted and captivating melodies. With Look Out! Vol.1 representing the first of multiple releases showcasing Jepson’s new compositions, it will be with extreme interest that I await further editions.



Look Out! (Vol.1) is set for official release, direct to fans, on the 8th of November. It is available to order now exclusively via Toby’s official website: 


Connect with Toby Jepson:

Comments

bottom of page