Review by Ritchie Birnie for MPM
Album number six for Tyketto and it has taken some time to get here but Closer to the Sun is more than worth waiting for.
The album comes out hitting with single “Higher than High” which is classic Tyketto, big riffs, catchy as hell and how to lay down a marker.
The acoustic is out on “Starts with a Feeling” and you know that means one thing…magic. I will argue with anyone that Tyketto are hands down the kings of Ballads, shut up at the back Mr Jovi. This hits that 90s vibe that sucked you in way back when and gave you a band to follow for life. Amazing vocals from the man himself and Harry Scott Elliot is on fire on the fretboard. The man was made for hair metal stardom.
Tyketto just had that feel good spark everytime you heard them. Whether coming on MTV or the radio, you instantly felt uplifted and “Bad for Good” hits that road with a comfy familiarity. When it comes to Rock anthems the boys know how to write a banger.
“We Rise” was another single and it harks back to the Tyketto playbook. Slow start, powerful pipes, huge chorus and a song that leaves you feeling better than before you heard it. As always there is a message and this one is life…keep going people.
“Donnowhuddidis” may not just be a bizarre title but the track itself will be leaving you knowing exactly what the title means. This is definitely left field and it leads chaotically into the beautiful title track. This song soars, it will break you out of an melancholy. This is Tyketto at their stripped back best and Danny takes the song and the songwriting to new levels, stunning.
The Rock roots are deep on “Harleys & Indians”. The tribal beat from Johhny Dee powers the song along as this singalong works its way into your ears, never to leave.
We delve into the metal sound on “Hit Me Where it Hurts” and Danny sounds pissed off so get out of his way and just enjoy his pain as we can all associate with this number.
“The Picture” started off like an Iron Maiden classic adventure the likes of Empire of the Sun but that is where any similarity ends. The intro is a superb piano driven ode till it burts with life and demands your attention. Look up Power Ballad online and the link leads right here.
That happy acoustic is out again on “Far and Away” and this takes me to so many moments seeing Tyketto and Danny solo over the years. When he takes out that guitar you know something amazing is about to unfold and you will be along for the ride.
Final track “The Brave” is exclusive to CD and streaming so if like me you only buy Vinyl…tough luck. I would love to tell you it is a throwaway track and you are missing nothing but I cannot, Tyketto do not do throwaway tracks. This is an upbeat number to leave you in a euphoric state to establish the album in your head.
I have loved Tyketto from the start, I loved Danny’s voice way back in Waysted and I feel like he has been walking my path right beside me. The grey in his hair tells my story as well as his own and for a man I have met a few times I can honestly say he has made my life better. He has written songs that live in my heart and my soul is much brighter for him.
I will walk my path and Danny will be there no matter if he continues on his musical journey or retires but with the strength of “Closer to the Sun” that is a long way off so I will keep going, I will keep buying Vinyl and I will be at the venue as long as my body holds out.
Closer To The Sun – Track-list:
- Higher Than High
- Starts with a Feeling
- Bad for Good
- We Rise
- Donnowhuddidis
- Closer to the Sun
- Harleys & Indians (Riders in the Sky)*
- Hit Me Where It Hurts
- The Picture
- Far and Away
- The Brave
*Not included on vinyl formats
Band Line-Up:
DANNY VAUGHN – Lead & backing vocals, acoustic & electric guitars, harmonica, keyboards and percussion
CHRIS CHILDS – Bass Guitar, percussion, keyboards, backing vocals
JOHNNY DEE – Drums, percussion, backing vocals
HARRY SCOTT ELLIOTT – Lead and rhythm electric guitars, percussion, backing vocals
GED RYLANDS – Keyboards, percussion, backing vocals
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www.facebook.com/TykettoTheOfficial/
