Album Review: Antony Szmierek – Service Station at the End of the Universe
Service Station at the Edge of the Universe
Antony Szmierek’s debut album, ‘Service Station at the End of the Universe‘, is a stunning blend of spoken word, pop poetry, and dancefloor-ready beats. Drawing from his background as a special education needs teacher in Manchester, Szmierek crafts deeply personal and evocative narratives that explore themes of home, vulnerability, love, and loss.
His ability to mix heartfelt storytelling with infectious melodies makes for a unique listening experience, one that feels both intimate and universal.
What immediately draws you to Szmierek is his sharp, charismatic social commentary. The opening and title track sets the tone perfectly, taking listeners on a vivid journey. Against a futuristic beat, Szmierek paints a picture of the familiar faces you’re bound to encounter at a service station, from the come-down crew and rowdy stag parties to a child lost in the thrill of a coin-operated ride.
Szmierek’s mind works in mesmerizing ways, his ability to find the meaning of life in something as simple as a single piece of confetti falling from the ceiling in ‘Rafters‘ is nothing short of breathtaking. It’s a true “wow” moment that lingers long after the song ends.
Speaking about the song, Szmierek comments,
“We follow a single piece of confetti that falls over a gig and the stories that take place beneath it. People falling in love, thrown pints, flashes of weddings and birthday celebrations. So much can happen in the time it takes a little paper square to hit the ground”.
If you’ve ever been to Stockport, you’ve undoubtedly seen one of its greatest wonders, ‘The Great Pyramid of Stockport‘. Szmierek pays homage to this iconic landmark. Through his signature spoken-word style, he transforms the familiar structure into a powerful symbol, contrasting it with the grandeur of Egypt’s ancient pyramids. The result is a unique and compelling metaphor for love, loss, and the beauty of the everyday.
One of the most poignant moments on the album comes in ‘Restless Leg Syndrome‘, where Szmierek delivers a striking reflection on timing and life choices. With the lyrics,
“If I wait another 10 years to have children, then I’ll never meet my grandkids. Not sure if that’s something I’m completely fine with—never been that good at perfect timing,”
he captures a deeply personal yet universally relatable sentiment, making it one of the album’s standout lyrical moments.
Album closer ‘Angie’s Wedding‘ blends Szmierek’s lyrical brilliance and magnetic delivery with Haçienda-inspired synths and mid-tempo breakbeats. The result is a euphoric tribute to a fictional wedding party, where the album’s cast of characters comes together in celebratory harmony. It captures the essence of personal storytelling. Szmierek’s vocal delivery is both emotive and engaging, drawing listeners into the narrative of the song.
Reflecting on the song, Szmierek shares:
“The album was always going to end at a wedding or a wake, and I went with the most positive option. Inspired by motorway graffiti, it takes us to a place where ‘the doers and the dreamers’ of the world live forever.“
Capturing this raw sentiment, the track was recorded in one continuous take, imperfections and all, giving it an authentic, lived-in feel.
Szmierek’s ability to observe, analyze, and transform everyday moments into compelling stories is nothing short of captivating. He’s the kind of lyricist who makes every line feel deliberate and awe-inspiring, leaving listeners hanging on his every word. ‘Service Station at the End of the Universe‘ is an album that bridges generations, offering something for both Gen Z and older listeners alike. It’s available for pre-order now, and it’s one of those rare records that feels like it will only grow in meaning with time.
The album is available from Friday 28th February, bag yourself and copy here: https://antonyszmierek.tmstor.es/
