Review from 24OurMusic

Songwriter and musician Andrew Foster presents his first full-length album, Science & Magic. This 13-track trip is an expertly crafted collection that heralds the emergence of a talented singer/songwriter. Since bursting onto the scene with his 2012 EPs Russell’s Teapot and New Criterion, Foster has opened for and supported such acts as Mumford & Sons, Terry Reid, Passenger, Hard Fi and Charlene Soraia. With Science & Magic, Foster brings an atmospheric, folk-inspired approach to his arrangements that are punctuated by flashes of rock and psychedelia. Here is an artist well versed in tradition, establishing his own unique approach to traditional structures.

Foster tackles several issues and themes in Science & Magic. What’s remarkable is that he somehow manages to avoid being too heavy-handed with his lyrics. Part of that might have to do with the confident modesty in his voice—it tackles gravity with a certain optimism that is not only inviting, but inspires a kind of hope.

This is best exemplified in the second half of the album, where, hands down, Foster’s crowning achievement is found. “Interstellar,” the ninth track of Science & Magic, is a staggering piece of songwriting. The pared down acoustic arrangement is accentuated by its beautiful and complex lyrics. If you listen to nothing else on this album, go out of your way to experience “Interstellar.”

Science & Magic is Foster’s coming out party. Here’s hoping this is the launching pad of a promising career, the first of more albums to come.