Debut solo album
'4.15AM' is the debut solo album from former Evolvers front man Nick B Byrne. The band having disbanded, Byrne has been able to focus on writing and producing and has developed into a solo artist recording this album in my family's hometown of Pontypool in South Wales. A fact that before even listening to a note of a song has endeared me to him!
Having plunged in with an open mind I'm instantly drawn to the blending of acoustic and electric guitars and right from the off I can safely say that Byrne has a new fan. Seeing the list of his influences on Myspace as including Aphex Twin, Jeff Buckley, Massive Attack, Manic Street Preachers, and The Smiths gives an exciting hint of where this music has the potential to go.
Opening track '4.14AM' has touches of voice distortion and showcases Bynre's ability to layer sound. Through this album, songs are presented simply enough to start, but they build up throughout to become riff-laden ('Lies') or soar to an electric crescendo ('London').
Debut solo single 'Anna' showcases a talent that fits in well with the other South Wales rock acts to have dominated the scene. With a vocal reminiscent of both Kelly Jones and James Dean Bradfield it's a beautifully created piece of acoustic guitars and haunting melodies, both instrumental and vocally. Putting it on a playlist, think of it sitting in-between 'Step on My Old Size Nines' and Jeff Buckley's 'Hallelujah' to get an idea of where the sound is going. It really does send shivers down the back of your neck.
This is an eclectic and emotional album that draws you to the darker areas of Byrne's personal experiences without ever bearing over you. It's an album of contrasts that work well together and ultimately leaves you feeling that Nick B Byrne's name deserves to rank alongside the other great names of current Welsh music.