The title of the 2016 release from Mpath offers the curious listener a clue about what they might be about to immerse themselves into... For this listener, thoughts about my family and loved ones Sprung up straight away when I read, 'life of learning' - so, with trepidation and excitement - I cut to the chase and played the album in full, without interruption and with full gusto... Immediately - Mpath take you on an aerial view of the coastlines of your memories with opener 'I'm on my way back' with a promise that the 'truth is unfolding.' If you'd like a cheeky reference, think of the Red Hot Chili Peppers rich song writing form of their 'by the way' album and the manner it thrusts the listener into the confessional driving seat. Mpath tell you that 'the truth is unfolding' - so let's find out the truth.... Well, never mind the my truth or yours, once you've heard 'Ding Dong' you'll be singing along - catchy and infectious like a kiss from someone you really fancy or shouldn't fancy. Beyond the ice cream lick hook you'll find darker textures in the lyrics that usurp you on repeated listenings rather like Squeeze's 'up the junction' - melody driven gorgeous pathos. The listener may well find that this album is full of hope (as I do) perhaps won from challenging experiences despite personal heartbreaks, loss or changes. As a treasure hunter the listener will be happily surprised with cast iron hooks in 'sing with me' and 'you're not pretending'. The more you scratch the lyrics, the more you'll be rewarded - one of Mpath's best attributes is their ability to deliver a fully realised pearl of a tune that upon additional lyrical inspections reveals unexpected flaws and areas that catch the light in a certain mood. It's what you want from an album. The sheer diversity and strength of song writing of Mpath is brought into sharp relief through their singers swapping lead vocals. Ch-ch-ch-changes of the lead story teller pull you closer into 'life of learning.' Think of great bands you've heard swapping voices, Crowded House, Beautiful South, ahem The Beatles and this approach winds you closer into the core of Mpath's impassioned writing. Flashes of mariachi glitter with foot tapper 'be beloved be' and folkier feels line the John Denver-esque 'love on the battlefield.' Mpath underpin their genuinely moving, soul searching tracks with honeyed harmonies the listener just can't help joining in with. Personally, I can't wait to see them live so I can indulge in some unashamed backing vocals and basically 'sing my heart out!' That's what it's all about eh? Let's not pretend this this album is all chocolate and marzipan. There's intense questioning and a fragility in so many songs and literally in 'various points of breaking'. 'You're just one of us' encourages us to look deeper despite our fears - and consider our fraternity ahead of government control. You're either for peace or against it. And....the title track, 'life of learning', you'll return to again and again, well because it resonates so strongly by lyric and by deed if being head noddingly spot on - try it with a friend - they'll get hooked. Nod your heads. ; ) Overall, 'life of learning' is an absolute treat of an album. It could really be the soundtrack to your next carbon friendly giving back road trip (Coromandel Peninsula , Big Sur, North Devon coastline) or it could be a road trip in your own mind as this listener finds it. Take your own journey with Mpath and 'life of learning.' The opportunity to embark on a journey.