Daniel Wylie - Postcards
Daniel Wylie... This name will certainly sound familiar to some of you: ex-front man with the indie band Cosmic Rough Riders and more recently discovered through his critically acclaimed first album 'Ramshackle Beauty'. The Glaswegian singer comes back this time with a brand new album, 'Postcards' out the 4th July, an outstanding opus that deserves its name.
10 tracks that seem to be written for 10 different people and places. On some of them you will be taken to a trip in India and on a different one in the old America, when the first pioneers arrived in search of what will be named the American Dream. Others will sound like personal letters written to friends, (ex?) girlfriends but still with some kind of magical musical background.
The first single, 'Time Was', is an excellent first track for someone who does not know the artist. It is also the first track on this album and the journey starts with a trip to India, and a mystical and atmospheric melody that just makes you forget everything around you. You are taken straight into his world.
The trip continues with a stop in America, where lively melodies are mixed with deep and witty lyrics.
A song that will stand out from the others is definitely 'The Cello Player' with its Ray Lamontagne sound mixed with a Jim Morrison atmosphere. This time the singer is getting more deep and serious. The result is a terrific tune, probably one the best on this album.
Two songs do not match the quality of the album: 'I'm Hanging Around'
and 'We Can Get It Right'. They just have a pop-ish sound, less interesting to listen to.
The last track is a beautiful ballad, perfect for lonely hearts to feel less lonesome or just get more depressed!
Overall this album shows the whole talent David Wylie has. He achieved the move from airy, lively songs to more experimental tracks, which take the listener into his radiant world. His emotional side is also coming out from time to time, but avoids boring the listener.
Finally David Wylie is an artist who is not afraid to try out new ideas and who has been able to write songs without falling into the easy mainstream sound but who, unfortunately will not be promoted enough as other artists who are more commercially oriented.
So if you like the good old pop sound, with a 70's feeling just go and get this album!