Andy Golledge took his sweet time getting to the release of his debut album Strength Of A Queen in 2022 but he’s seized that momentum and his popularity as a live performer and swiftly delivered the follow-up LP, Young, Dumb & Wild.

Mixing up soulful ballads (‘Siren’), baroque pop (‘White Rabbit’), heartfelt country rock, melodic hooks galore and plenty of rhythm and groove (the title track), Golledge has found a sweeter blend between his songs and the musical backing of his band. Everything sounds more embedded and cohesively arranged, whether it’s the sweet harmonies courtesy of Caitlin Harnett or Leroy Lee’s perfectly placed guitar phrases. 

Behind the obvious appeal of Golledge’s showmanship, celebratory aesthetic and supremely melodic voice and vocal range, there’s a real and deep sensitivity going on in these songs. Mental health, life balance, relationships, the search for contentment… this is a more mature and multifaceted artist on display, with world class songcraft intact but now further enhanced by a more nuanced and varied musicality.