Album Review: Toby and the Whole Truth – Ignorance is Bliss (25th Anniversary Remastered Deluxe Edition) (Jepsongs Recordings)

In 1995 Toby Jepson released his first solo album through an obscure indie label ‘cottage industry’ – a far cry from the heady days of Polydor Records and the major record label scene.

A year or so previously, Little Angels had bowed out at the Royal Albert Hall after 7 years together and becoming one of the most successful bands of their generation. But all was not well, internal friction, dwindling label support and a fast-changing music scene took its toll on the band and once disbanded, gave Toby much to dwell upon. ‘Ignorance is Bliss’ was the result.

This couldn’t be further away from Little Angels if it tried.

Fast forward to May 2020 and in the midst of the world’s biggest modern day pandemic, this little known gem is set to emerge again, on Toby’s own record label ‘Jepsongs Recordings’, with a fresh coat of paint, including two previously unreleased bonus tracks as well as a full restoration remaster by Simon Francis. Released in a ‘song book’ format containing 36 pages of production notes, hand drawn illustrations (by Toby’ s youngest daughter Evelyn), lyrics, song explanations and a forward introduction by writer, journalist, long-time friend and confident David Gailbraith (Kerrang! Magazine) this release is set to re-establish this long-lost opus as a curious bookend to the career of one of rock’s most enduring, yet largely underground artists.

An album that certainly passed me by (as well as many others), it’s great to be able to experience it now in a remastered way. Not that 1995 me would have appreciated it anyway, what with all the nu-metal arriving on the scene over the next 5-odd years. Older, wiser and much more receptive to rock music, Ignorance is Bliss is not a title that rings true here.

Sounding as relevant as ever (especially considering the current times) Some People Are More Equal Than Others is a blast of a start. Super strong guitar riffing, an impactful vocal performance and droning rhythm that is very infectious.

We then get contrasting tracks with Better Off Without Me bringing some nice and mellow vibes. Whereas Slipping Through Your Fingers ramps up the excitement with a hell of a lot more guitar groove. One of the catchiest tracks on the album.

Although that’s not saying much considering just how ear-wormy the entire album is. The subtle verses of Haven’t Got Your Strength, the increase in bite that appears in The Wind Blows Hard and welcoming warmth of All Heal in Time.

Whatever teenage me would have thought about this record is completely irrelevant at this stage as ‘getting on in years’ me absolutely loves it. Each new track offering something slightly different but all part of a concise experience.

Still offering surprises, we get a grungier offering with I Won’t Be with You where the chorus is an absolute blast. Or the melodramatic but sweet vocals of Save Me from Myself and Out of Sight Out of Mind, and the blistering guitar solo of Harder All the Time.

Nearing the conclusion, a pair of energetic and surprisingly upbeat rockers in Open Your Mind and Get Your Feet On eases things at a point when momentum could be lost. It’s not though and Toby Jepson ensures we go out with a bang with one last morose and incredibly reflective track in the form of Spiritually Bankrupt.

Toby and the Whole Truth – Ignorance is Bliss (25th Anniversary Remastered Edition) Full Track Listing:

1. Some People Are More Equal Than Others
2. Better Off Without Me
3. Slipping Through Your Fingers
4. Haven’t Got Your Strength
5. The Wind Blows Hard
6. All Heal in Time
7. I Won’t Be with You
8. Save Me from Myself
9. Out of Sight Out Of Mind
10. Harder All the Time
11. Open Your Mind
12. Get Your Feet On
13. Spiritually Bankrupt

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