Rock Regeneration

Jan06

Single: “The Man Without Words” by Ralph Bishop

on January 6th, 2024 at 17:37

Multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Ralph Bishop can usually be found fronting his three-piece Rock/Blues band “Reddle” amongst other projects. This year sees the release of a solo single “The Man Without Words”. the single was recorded together with Matt Black at his newly located Hangover Hill Studios in Wimborne, adjacent to the Allendale Centre. The track features a well put together atmospheric video to go with it; lovingly created by Levi Warnes, which can be seen below.

Ralph explains “I am now producing so many songs, the majority of which are not as rock-orientated as those I write for my band Reddle, they often involve keyboards/piano and a more ethereal sound. I see “The Man Without Words” as a bridge between Reddle’s sound and the more experimental, ethereal sound I am trying to explore. When I write songs, I do not tend to have a particular inspiration, but rather a mood is established lyrically and musically through subconscious means. If there is an inspiration, I believe it is up to the listener to interpret it for themselves. On reflection, I believe there is a degree of angst and awareness of time passing however, especially in the line, “The clocks are cruel these days, Forlorn, their hands spin round and round and round”.

Ralph has already proved himself to be a competent all-rounder with some impressive live performances with his band, along with their debut single release “In My Mind”. The solo release shows off some mature thoughtful songwriting and some impressive creative abilities. The track teasingly smoulders with its ethereal intro, before the delicate rhythms join the fold along with Ralph’s understated mix of electric and acoustic guitars, along with his reassuring vocal. The track beautifully meanders with some impressively image-shaping lyrics. Three quarters of the way in we are treated to a sublime guitar solo that shows off Ralph’s synchronization with his fender Stratocaster, with his majestic manipulation of the six strings.