It’s the 21st century but sadly, when it comes to people being judgmental and in many cases prejudiced, sometimes racist, we’re still decades behind the times. Whether you’re pop-star WILL YOUNG for example, or more recently actress ELLEN PAGE, 'coming out' is a big deal; it makes the news and, quite frankly it shouldn't. It’s an individual’s private and personal life, and they shouldn't be made to feel like coming out is a big thing, it’s really a shame that that’s the case because we’re all human at the end of the day and there’s enough judgement in the world already. One person who firmly gives little to no shit’s at all however, with his homosexuality and heart firmly on his sleeve, is New York based singer/song writer DEREK BISHOP. The 43 year old recently released his brand new album; “Bicycling In Quicksand”…let’s take a cheeky bite out of this big apple…
Opening up with “Backburning” you get an almost MIKA type feel musically, it’s a combination of 80’s inspired synth-pop with 70’s funk and for an introduction it’s a colourful one; full of character. “Automatic” follows suit but is considerably more up-beat and a delightfully positive, happy little song; the type of track you could enjoy listening to sat in your garden on a summer’s day, soaking up the sun with a glass of Pinot Grigio. Bishop’s vocals soft and melodic but he narrates his points well.
The album’s title track starts off with what’s really quite a dramatic tone, slightly dark as far as pop music is concerned, in a serious sense, and it becomes clear the title is a great metaphor for the difficulties of love, and one assumes it’s centered around his sexuality, but as a song it’s got a good rhythm, plus saxophones are always a welcome bonus. Lead single “Baggage” is big on pomp, big on the electro-pop and sounds like one of the good Eurovision entries, loads of fun this one and an infectious chorus to boot; great stuff. The rest of the album maintains the soulful synth-pop formula, carrying a slight retro vibe, and ultimately is a consistent enjoyable listen. As a recording artist, it’s doubtful he’ll make any dents in the UK charts with this album, it’s not quite the in-thing, but really that’s the point, he’s out…and proud, and more importantly, loving life. Give “…Quicksand” a listen, just watch your wheels don’t get stuck… [6]
Opening up with “Backburning” you get an almost MIKA type feel musically, it’s a combination of 80’s inspired synth-pop with 70’s funk and for an introduction it’s a colourful one; full of character. “Automatic” follows suit but is considerably more up-beat and a delightfully positive, happy little song; the type of track you could enjoy listening to sat in your garden on a summer’s day, soaking up the sun with a glass of Pinot Grigio. Bishop’s vocals soft and melodic but he narrates his points well.
The album’s title track starts off with what’s really quite a dramatic tone, slightly dark as far as pop music is concerned, in a serious sense, and it becomes clear the title is a great metaphor for the difficulties of love, and one assumes it’s centered around his sexuality, but as a song it’s got a good rhythm, plus saxophones are always a welcome bonus. Lead single “Baggage” is big on pomp, big on the electro-pop and sounds like one of the good Eurovision entries, loads of fun this one and an infectious chorus to boot; great stuff. The rest of the album maintains the soulful synth-pop formula, carrying a slight retro vibe, and ultimately is a consistent enjoyable listen. As a recording artist, it’s doubtful he’ll make any dents in the UK charts with this album, it’s not quite the in-thing, but really that’s the point, he’s out…and proud, and more importantly, loving life. Give “…Quicksand” a listen, just watch your wheels don’t get stuck… [6]
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