Goodnight And I Wish is a young man called Brandon Jacobs. Brandon writes music and poetry that revolve around the thoughts we take to bed with us every night (and probably carry around with us during daylight hours as well) including fears, worries, loves and hopes. Brandon took to writing to help cure bouts of insomnia and in the process invented a new musical genre called Lullaby Pop. “I would write instrumental pieces to listen to when I tried to sleep, then, as time went by, I started adding stories, poems and nursery rhymes to the music.”  The album was recorded over a period of a year in various parts of Brandon’s haunted house in Hertfordshire (England), and self produced, with the use of microphones set up in dark stairways to pick up gentle ghostly whispers and underneath wind chimes in the garden at night. The album is due for release on the 20th July 2009, probably at around midnight…

Well that’s the short story behind the man and his music, and its an unusual one - just like this album. And in reviewing it ‘The Normal Rules Do Not Apply.’ First, Brandon is no great vocalist, but then that’s not critical here. Neither is he the greatest musician, but, there’s a certain magic about this album. ’An Exhibition Of Rarities’ starts with spoken, scratchy words which serve as an introduction to Brandon’s first vocal and words. Production is surprisigly clear and sharp, instrumental arrangement is interesting, Brandon’s voice is youthful, and there’s a strong melody. The ambience is indeed ghostly and the song has a certain charm. ‘The Dream Catcher’ has a rockier vibe with guitars and drums dominant, and a nightmarish ambience successfully created. Brandon’s voice is lowered to reflect the song’s darker message. It’s very different and actually quite good. ‘The Rule Of Three’ ups the adventure with ghostly vocal harmonies and more powerful rhythm. ‘Snow Angels’ reverts to a lighter touch with keyboards taking a front seat along with angelic backing vocals, and a better vocal performance from Brandon. The melody is very strong and the overall sound is up to the standard one would expect from a commercial artist. I actually like this song a lot and it’s certainly a standout in this company. The next song ‘A Space In Time’ is also more than acceptable with its driving drums, hammond passages and spoken word vocal.

‘Norlington Works’ starts out sounding like The Third Man Theme but then opens out with guitar riffs and solid drum rhythm. It even has something of a dance vibe about it… Not bad at all. ‘Come To Mine For Tea’ is a childlike folk song with twinkling keyboard notes, bells, and a decent vocal. The melody drives this charming song along and I’m forced to admit that this record is beginning to register with me… ‘My Pet Spider’ is another charming oddity as Brandon sings about his pet spider that been saved from a fate worse than death. I’m sold.

There’s always room for innovative music by musicians who approach their art from a very different perspective. If they can combine sincerity, novelty with melody and half-decent lyrics their music becomes both accessible and acceptable. And that’s the case here. I can imagine some of this music being used for a soundtrack and there are a couple of songs that could be released as singles. Production quality is surprisingly good and beautifully in-tune with the artist’s stated musical objectives. Brandon has created a refreshing and honest new sound which has won me over. And coming from the world’s greatest music cynic that says something…

3.7/5

www.goodnightandiwish.co.uk