Album Review: Phillip Jon Taylor - Essential Maintenance for Human Happiness

Founding member of PAWS and multidisciplinary artist, Phillip Jon Taylor gives us a candid account of everyday life and noughties nostalgia in his debut album, Essential Maintenance for Human Happiness. The record has a critical voice and a heavy heart, shining a light on the artist’s anguish and survival as well as exploring solitude and self-maintenance during a pandemic.

The first track, ‘Essential Internet Crisis Panic’, gives us a grungey tongue-in-cheek commentary on the politics and news media. The lyrics “you cut all of their heads off and then expected them to hear your speech about justice and democracy” is a clear stab at the government and their response to current events. It is a powerful start to a record that only goes deeper from there.

‘On Your Birthday’, has a more gloomy vibe but retains the same condemning nature. This track is much more slowed down than the three before it and has a stunning sincerity about it. The track alternates between low, slow vocals and outbursts of guitar chords as Taylor sings “It's not permitted to just have your cake and eat it, even on your birthday too.” The track starts forlorn and moves towards frustration as the track ends with all instruments roaring as Taylor repeats the phrase “tired of being pushed around.”  It is truly a track for our generation.

‘No Hugs, No High-Fives’ is a true throwback to the 90s/00s era of music, serving us with soft vocals with harmonies and raw, crunchy guitar. It is moody and authentic, with its stripped-back sound giving us a modest glimpse into of Taylor’s world.

This album is what would happen if Daniel Johnson and Grandaddy were combined with elements of contemporary alt-rock thrown in. What makes this album so special is its exploration of a personal path to happiness and its engagement with what is happening all over the world. This record has the ability to make you nostalgic, romantic, and despondent all at the same time. If there was ever a record that so aptly captured an international mood, it would be called Essential Maintenance for Human Happiness.

Words: Megan Teece-Round