Ian Roland – The Real Thing (2026)
For the past few years, beginning with an interview in 2023, The Other Side Reviews has followed singer-songwriter Ian Roland rather closely. After a discussion about the album, The Wood Wide Web, we joined his journey across releases like ‘The Beacon’, ‘Craving’, ‘Hang On To You’, ‘Some What Of Life’, and ‘Virtually Free’. Leading us across the realms of folk, soft rock, indie-rock, indie-folk and even some jangle-pop, the UK-based Roland captures raw, reflective storytelling in moving melodies. The latest addition to his discography is the single, ‘The Real Thing’.
Following the well-received single ‘Virtually Free’, ‘The Real Thing’ is just what it says on the label: the real thing. Without any AI, it is a concoction of raw instrumentation taking you from the armchair to the recording studio with elegance and ease. Produced with Jake Skinner and mastered by Bob Macciochi, ‘The Real Thing’ draws together Roland’s guitar, Dave Coomber’s bass, James Chapman’s drums, and Miskin Fitzgerald’s piano in a rhythmic wave of music.
Weaving together each instrument in a harmonic symphony, ‘The Real Thing’ is smooth and soothing with an easy-to-listen-to groove. For me, the piano seems to draw attention, yet it remains part of that harmonic whole, creating a bubble of tranquil music. Roland’s gentle, rich, sweet vocals round everything off like a friend waiting for a hug on a warm summer’s day.
Interestingly, while ‘The Real Thing’ is a calming, light-hearted folk-tinged tune, its lyricism is far more profound and somewhat poignant. Executed with tenderness, the track explores “…how material pursuits can eclipse genuine human connection… a meditation on consumerism and the search for authenticity in a world cluttered with objects.”
In addition to the single, you can enjoy a live performance of ‘The Real Thing’ – well, sort of live – on Roland’s YouTube channel. Recorded on 15 March, 2026, at The Neptune Live Music Bar on Hove Seafront, UK. You can view the video below and/or on YouTube.
Find out more about Ian Roland on his official website, Facebook, Instagram, Soundcloud, Bandcamp, YouTube, BlueSky, and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
