Honne/Tatemae
Julian Shah-Tayler, JST, the multifaceted British artist renowned for his innovative blend of new wave and electro-rock, released his latest record, Honne/Tatemae, today. This project follows his 2022 studio album Elysium and aims to delve deep into the complexities of human duality. This concept is fascinating in regards to those in the public eye- the difference between who the artist really is, who they portray themselves to be, how they are perceived by the public and the effects it can have on their personal lives. On what level can an artist let the public into their inner world. Julian looks at this concept through “public displays of these emotions that an artist must suffer.” (Shah-Tayler)
Julian Shah-Tayler’s career is chocked full of notable achievements, including a “Golden Trailer” award for his collaboration with Lana Del Rey on Disney’s Maleficent trailer. He also contributed to the Emmy-winning series Actors on Actors, and his musical versatility has been showcased through performances with artists such as Siobhan Fahey of Bananarama/Shakespeare Sister. In 2023, Julian was on 4 Grammy ballots, had a #4 New Wave album of the year (2023) for his album “Elysium” and was listed in the New Age piano category for 2 Grammy ballot positions as engineer/producer on Wayne Bethanis’ #1 piano album “Listen.” To find out more, visit Julian’s website.
I wasn’t familiar with JST’s work, but, luckily, I discovered him through his work with Beauty in Chaos, the brain child of Michael Ciravolo. I have found many different artists through this collective and continue following and listening to each to this day. I can now heartily say that I will be adding JST to that mix. (if you haven’t heard his work with Beauty in Chaos, you can read about it here.)
JST’s previous album, Elysium, explored the optimism of love. Honne/Tatemae is vastly different and far more cynical, delving into the aftermath of relationship doom. He pushes the boundaries of his music, both thematically and musically. Having poured through previous work in anticipation of the new record, there is distinctive growth in the music- a maturity or confidence in what he is doing to dig deeper and expose his inner self. Perhaps the duality in which he explores here is opening his one self to the other, becoming more whole. We shall see.
Honne/Tatemae is the opening track, a 24 second spoken word piece over increasingly pitchy background music. The lyrics are short and poetic:
In the Isthmus between birth and death
Let us illuminate the world with the dance of our brief candle
This is a perfect introduction to this record. Opening tracks of albums are important; they set the tone for the rest of the album and draw the listener in. The Cure’s Plainsong, The Who’s Baba O’Riley, or most recently Sleep Token’s The Night Does Not Belong to God illustrate what an opening track can do for an album and even a band’s legacy. While not truly a song, Honne/Tatemae clearly draws the listener in to an experience. It’s reminiscent of a Shakespeare play in which the prologue sets the stage for what’s to come. This too acknowledges the short time that we have, the effect our art can have on the world, and how the eleven tracks represent the isthmus that is this album. JST makes the most of this space with poetic lyrics and an impactful delivery that sets us sail on an 11 track roller coaster.
ForEva is the most recent release from the album. While there is longing and a small sense of desperation in the song, there is a sense of joy with this radio-friendly number. The music soars at times landing on high notes with violins joining in to punctuate. It’s interesting that JST sees this relationship in terms of music, but he must move beyond music. “I need you forever in my way, not just as a symphony,” “I want us to live here, not just as a melody,” and “The invisible choirs are rioting in my brain.” He goes on to say he must change: “I learn to change my point of view. My paradigm it must be you.” Perhaps, while his life revolves around music, he must shift to make “her” the center. A lesson learned that relationships are not put together as seamlessly as a piece of music. I love the concept because those of us who love music see our lives through the lyrics of musicians and poets. We hear that chorus in our brains.
Sufferation is a departure from ForEva in that is driven by the drum beat. Sufferation is cleverly written in dualities and opposites. Continuing the theme of a separation from ForEva, here JST illustrates the problem: “Your heart chooses me. But your head won’t believe in this love affair.” Something is not quite right; there is a nugget of a relationship but can quite make it work. The world is out of sorts. The line of the song, and a beautiful turn of phrase, “We’re lucid in our daydreams, Suffocate in moonbeams. Our separation.” Those places where relationships should soar are completely out of tune, to use a musical reference. Even there, this relationship is off. Thematically, it reaches back to ForEva in the sense that JST’s focus is off, in need of the paradigm shift. This is why song order matters.
Malicious Intent, the lead single from Honne/Tatemae, was released on December 20, 2024. It offers a powerful and scathing rebuke to a former friend who betrayed him. Make no mistake, this song is brutal. The keyboard notes are like strikes with a knife, wounding with every word. “You coward, user, my enemy.” Clearly, the betrayer used his “friendship with JST to his own advantage. JST says, “My shadow’s always been your guide.” In terms of its place on the album, it breaks from the introspective nature of the ForEva and Sufferation as JST simply rids his life of unwanted cancer. We will call this one a “certified banger.”
Bleed is a bit funkier in presentation than the previous songs, in a good way. This one touches on the reference to the bible, “it’s easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven.” Here the millionaire has worked his entire life to pass through that needle. It seems, for JST, that the allegory here is that we have to be ready to give all away, including love. Perhaps it’s the realization that he must come to some kind of acceptance with the loss of his most recent and painful relationship. It’s all impermanent. Hanging on will only make the feelings worse.
Turn to Stone takes a slower, melodic approach with an underlying simple drum beat. This one feels like it could be plucked from an early 80s Duran Duran album, and I say that in a good way. The approach for Turn to Stone compliments the message. JST here is defeated, turning inward to deal with the struggles of recovery and finding no answers. Sometimes all you have is “you,” but what happens when there are no answers? You turn to stone. Beautiful song.
Fall Apart picks up the pace again with an electro number highlighted with a snappy, electric drum track. JST melodically glides over the notes. This one may be the most straight forward of the breakup. “You can watch my life fall apart. You can see my dreams turn to dust.” JST faces the demise and owns what happens. The vibe and message of Fall Apart could have landed it a place at the front of this record. Would have been a fine album opener.
Fisk starts off with some guitar notes with JST over the top. I’m instantly engaged. Then JST mentions Jacob’s Ladder- now I’m totally in. Jacob’s Ladder by Rush is moody, orchestral and one of my favorite songs by them. Conceptually, the idea of Jacob’s Ladder is brilliant and in the context of this song. Fisk is Danish for Fish. And in this song, JST sings of a person who thinks they are bigger then they are, the big fish in the sea. Of course, Jacob’s Ladder provides the connection from earth to Heaven and his inflated view of himself. This one is personal and reflects on a guitar player who was in a band with JST. Fisk seems more like an acknowledgement than an indictment. Certainly not biting like Malicious Intent.
Buds an the Bes is a departure musically. It begins with some whimsical keyboard followed by a groovy drum beat. The proverbial “birds and the bees” attempts to answer an age old question. Here, JST uses the Buds an the Bes to explain the scenario of the duality mentioned in the album title. “You know I don’t care, I know that that isn’t true. Don’t you stare, a lie’s only half of the truth. Social life doesn’t reflect what we are. And the veil can only get thinner.”
This Charming Life starts with a funky bass line undertone. Its deep and groovy. It seems at this point in the record, JST is taking ownership of his greatness, his ability to create. He has come out the other side of the breakup. The sadness, the regret, the questions. He hits these poignant lines with falsetto: “You know I can light up the sky with fire. You know that my touch has the spark to ignite.” If the other doesn’t get it, perhaps they should look in the mirror. JST isn’t going to be the victim anymore. This song is triumphant and hits all the high notes.
Lights Out is the final song and album closer and features Mike Garson, David J and Carmine Rojas. If there ever was a song that folks make the link to David Bowie, it is this one. This song is ambitious, the vocals are huge, and the chorus is catchy. Throw in the beautiful piano interlude and this song has it all. There is more healing going on in this one. JST says, “ And if you think you caught me drifting. The wind will carry me back home.” We can rest assured that he will find himself. He will again be whole. I find the last line of the song interesting. “We will be erased like a face drawn in sand on the edge of the sea.” Through all of this journey. Through the trials and deceit, there is the realization that we are all only for a time. In the grand scheme all is trivial. Perhaps, this is JST telling himself, and us, not to take it too seriously. After all, we will all be that face in the sand. If there ever was a perfect album closer, this is it. So, as the vinyl spins for the final time, “Please turn the lights out?“
Honne/Tatemae really does feel like a journey. Julian Shah-Tayler takes us through his journey as he deals with life when it turns sour. The emotions are a roller coaster. There is sorrow, anger, realization and recovery. The music is fresh and matches the tone of each song. There is not a throw away track on the record and the order has been chosen meticulously. Give Honne/Tatemae a spin, a download or however you listen to music. You will be glad you did. This record is another excellent installment for a growing catalog of music.
