Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Recorded between 2005 and 2007, Birmingham-based singer/songwriter Matt Tyler's latest release has finally seen the light of day and features a backing band made up of brothers John and Paul F Marklew. Despite being in his 20s, Tyler possesses a sound that wouldn't seem out of place in the folk rock circles of the late '60s and '70s and he wisely goes for a stripped down approach that for the most part gives off enough variety to keep proceedings fresh. Upbeat tracks such as "Baby B Mine" and "Game Of Love" see Tyler and the Marklews at their best and, although this is pleasant enough fare, it has to be said that the almost constant theme of hurt and pain caused by lost love wears thin after a while and songs such as "Fallen Angel" and "Brand New" come across as lyrically under-developed. Having said that, Tyler's competent vocals - at their best in the tender "Easy" and sounding not unlike Waterboys singer Mike Scott on the title track - and the considerable skills of the unaccredited lead guitarist that pepper the Santana-like "I'll See You There (Matt's Blues)" and the rest of this release save the day.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.