'Bowler Hat Soup' - Kiran Leonard

Kiran Leonard is a 17 year-old musician from Manchester. 'Bowler Hat Soup' is the name of his album. A medley of genres ranging from pop to folk to electro, the album is the product of 18 months' hard work and is something rather beautiful. 

Before I begin, I must warn you that this is a fairly lengthy review. The album is 16 tracks long and it would be simply negligent of me not to comment on a number of songs, especially as each and everyone one is so wonderful.
You're greeted by the opening track 'Dear Lincoln', a wonderfully cheery piece carried by spirited piano playing and Kiran's endearingly innocent-sounding vocals. If only to reaffirm the feeling of jealousy you undoubtedly already harbour, you must know that 'Dear Lincoln' was written when Kiran was only 14 years old. Abruptly tearing you from the upbeat to the emotive, the album then turns a corner onto 'Brunswick Street', a song far more romantic and ballad-like in its sound. 

I feel it's important to mention here that while listening to the album you'll notice how almost every song is entwined with another - the sweet piano melody you hear on one track will be heard again, echoing in the outro of a different one. It gives a nice whole feel to the project, as if the album is telling a story and the tracks are all chapters. 

'Port-Ainé' is modestly brilliant; lyrics draped over a steady drum beat and Parisian-sounding pipe organs evoke a warm, encouraging sense of self-accomplishment and gratitude for life in general - though all you've done is listen to the astounding musical work of someone who is not you. 'Sea of Eyes' is undeniably sweet, the strumming of a guitar accompanying lyrics like 'I love your eyes, do they love me? I'll never know, now you're lost at sea.'
'Smilin' Morn' begins slow and cautious, piano keys played drowsily alongside lyrics delivered with a wisdom and articulation way beyond the years of this immensely talented teenager. The song then transforms into a powerful combination of frenzied piano-playing and a gutsy, ranting Kiran - most definitely one of the album's many highlights.

A significant change in sound comes almost halfway through 'Bowler Hat Soup', in the form of 'There's No Future In Us'. The track is considerably heavier than the album's previous tracks, with itchy guitar riffs and gritty, cut-up vocals. For anyone doubting Kiran Leonard's musical versatility up until now - shut up and listen. 
'Bora Bora' feels like a descent into madness, and I mean that in the best way possible. Written from, in Leonard's own words, the perspective of a lonely misanthropist, the song is almost haunting and Kiran's voice is drenched in sarcasm and a general loathing for everyone and everything. What makes it so enjoyable to listen to is the fact that most of us can relate to the hate for mankind expressed so brilliantly in the song - however worrying that may be. 

The closing track, 'A Purpose', is simple yet incredibly touching. The lyrics, again, ooze a poignancy that that someone so young should not yet feel familiar with. Contrasting completely with the lively, animated energy of the first track of the album, this song is a beautifully moving end to the record. 
'Bowler Hat Soup' is a triumph and a thing of beauty. Kiran Leonard's sound is not something that can be easily replicated, as the charm of the album lies mainly in its excellently 'home-made' production and Kiran's unrivalled and passionate musicianship.

You can listen to 'Bowler Hat Soup' in its entirety right here. I strongly suggest you do so.