MJ Hibbert is back with his first solo album in eleven years and his first recordings of any sort since he and the The Validators released 20 Golden Grates back in 2018. Titled The Unearthly Beauty Of the album is a quintessentially British take on a range of issues and, dare I say it, middle age observations all of which are delivered in a humorous, witty and at times a concerning way. If Hibbett is new to you, think Nigel Blackwell of Half Man Half Biscuit doing a solo stint and you may get an idea of where I am coming from.

Songs such as Kenny’s Brother Alan’s Stag Do delivered in the style of I Ludicrous and on Agile, where Hibbett vents his spleen about the project management methodology of that name obviously despising it and it’s enablers as much as I do, resonate and delight. There is a dig at middle aged Facebook surfers as he passes the protest music batten on Someone Else’s Turn whilst he still shows his serious side on It’s Hard To Be Hopeful, a song about the sheep who believe what the media moguls tell them, repeating it until it becomes a truth.

The observations keep on coming on the likes of Fire Drill, the first world problems found on Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People? and the cringing self analysis on I Think I Did OK. The whole shebang is an enjoyable romp especially if you can relate to what Hibbett writes and sings about. Even if you don’t there is plenty here (hear?) to keep you entertained whether it makes you laugh or at times, cry. Yep – I think you did ok!

The Unearthly Beauty Of is out now on USB Flash Drive and digital formats. You can get it from here.

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