IN REVIEW
ANDREW CUSHIN
WAITING FOR THE RAIN
linktr.ee/andrewcushin
Reviewer: David Weddle
Background photo: James Robinson @shotbyjsr
Background photo: James Robinson @shotbyjsr
The music scene in the north-east of England has always been vibrant and has delivered some of the most iconic names in music over the years. From Sting, Brian Johnson, Neil Tennant, Lindisfarne, Raven, and The Animals, to name just a few, that tradition of generating great musicians is very much still alive and kicking. Stars like Sam Fender and his brother Liam, India Arkin, Kieran Bowe, Crowley, LN, and Lizzie Esau are just some of the amazing talent that the region can currently boast. With a rich musical heritage to add to, another contender has thrown his hat into the ring. Andrew Cushin has just dropped his eagerly anticipated debut album, Waiting For The Rain. The relative newcomer has already seen his career take off in a massive way since the release of his debut 2022 EP, You Don't Belong.
Andrew played alongside huge names like Paul Weller and Noel Gallagher, and Andrew has definitely earned his place on numerous festival line-ups, including Hardwick, Rock N Roll Circus, and more. The experience gained over that time is very prominent in this album. Each track is incredibly well composed and delivered with skill and passion. Andrew's no-holds-barred writing sees the singer putting his heart on his sleeve, and that really comes through in tracks like I Want You To Be There and the heart-breaking 4.5% which describes his experience of losing his father to alcohol.
The album is crammed full of gems, like the opening track, It's Coming Round Again, a fully well-rounded track with stunning guitar work and a lush drum beat that keeps the toes tapping. The sing-a-longability of Just Like You'd Want Me To Be and the powerful lyrics are bound to make this a crowd favourite. The upbeat Wor Flags chronicles Andrew's love of Newcastle United, St. James' Park, and the iconic flags that fly at the home of the Magpies. A song of solidarity and belonging.
Andrew has created an album that is full of character, and at points it is easy to forget that this was written by a lad in his early twenties. There is plenty of soul in this album that can be felt from start to finish. It is a truly difficult thing to pull off, especially on a debut album, but Andrew has achieved it with a seemingly effortlessness that would be bound to make the most seasoned performer green with envy.
Waiting In The Rain is a well-rounded album that will have you experiencing a host of emotions as Andrew sings his heart out with a style that is uniquely his. If this is the quality of music that Andrew is able to put out at such an early stage in his career, it is clear that more great things are ahead for Andrew Cushin.
Andrew is currently promoting the album with a handful of record store live and signing sessions. He is also set to embark on a UK headline tour, check out his live show dates here: https://andrewcushin.os.fan/
Andrew played alongside huge names like Paul Weller and Noel Gallagher, and Andrew has definitely earned his place on numerous festival line-ups, including Hardwick, Rock N Roll Circus, and more. The experience gained over that time is very prominent in this album. Each track is incredibly well composed and delivered with skill and passion. Andrew's no-holds-barred writing sees the singer putting his heart on his sleeve, and that really comes through in tracks like I Want You To Be There and the heart-breaking 4.5% which describes his experience of losing his father to alcohol.
The album is crammed full of gems, like the opening track, It's Coming Round Again, a fully well-rounded track with stunning guitar work and a lush drum beat that keeps the toes tapping. The sing-a-longability of Just Like You'd Want Me To Be and the powerful lyrics are bound to make this a crowd favourite. The upbeat Wor Flags chronicles Andrew's love of Newcastle United, St. James' Park, and the iconic flags that fly at the home of the Magpies. A song of solidarity and belonging.
Andrew has created an album that is full of character, and at points it is easy to forget that this was written by a lad in his early twenties. There is plenty of soul in this album that can be felt from start to finish. It is a truly difficult thing to pull off, especially on a debut album, but Andrew has achieved it with a seemingly effortlessness that would be bound to make the most seasoned performer green with envy.
Waiting In The Rain is a well-rounded album that will have you experiencing a host of emotions as Andrew sings his heart out with a style that is uniquely his. If this is the quality of music that Andrew is able to put out at such an early stage in his career, it is clear that more great things are ahead for Andrew Cushin.
Andrew is currently promoting the album with a handful of record store live and signing sessions. He is also set to embark on a UK headline tour, check out his live show dates here: https://andrewcushin.os.fan/