The story of Jonny Hughes' aka JDH's second full-length album "Arms Legs Feet" is one of struggle, set-backs and victories. During its time of production, Jonny did not only break his two wrists from a twelve foot fall, he also (successfully) fought against cancer. His emotional rollercoaster also led him to the bright side of life: Over the past four years of producing and writing for the album, he also got married and became a father. It's hardly surprising, that "Arms Legs Feet" is a musical kaleidoscope of the dramatic experiences he went through during this changeful period of his life.

Earlier this year, Jonny released a five-tracker of excellent cover versions on his Bandcamp site. The tracks featured some glimmering indie pop, inspired by the early electronic adventures of the Eighties. His own songs also contain the catchy sounds and songwriting of that decade, combining it with dreamy shoegaze guitars, and grievous yet hopeful lyrics.The title track features some of the most quirky synth sounds you might have heard in ages, while the following instrumental "The Most I've Ever Given" brings back the lush and hypnotic style of the early OMD albums.

"Arms Legs Feet" might be based on a mostly eclectic approach to songwriting, but a wonderful one. If you like great melodies, lyrics with a meaning, and bright synth pads, you've come to exactly the right place.

JDH released his album earlier this year on Bandcamp, and the excellent Beatismurder.com netlabel co-released it this very day. It deserves this increased attention. But if you like it half as much as I do, or you want lossless versions of the songs, consider buying the album on Bandcamp.

JDH - Arms Legs Feet on Bandcamp | JDH - Arms Legs Feets on Beatismurder.com | JDH at MySpace | JDH's Website