I think it’s fair to say that the last few years have thrown a lot at Ryan Hamilton, forcing him to rethink his life and whether he had a future as a performing and writing artist. I’m glad to say that after a hiatus, he’s back with a new album. What’s great for him, his patient fans and the music buying public in general is that this album isn’t just new, it’s terrific.
From the open chords of opener and first single Dreaming Screaming, it’s clear Ryan has hit his stride again at pace. This is a winning example of his rootsy power pop that has more meat on its lyrical bones than many similar examples from other artists. Over And Over is a little more downbeat but ( like the other slower songs here) still manages a smile, especially on the chorus and guitar solo.
Next up is the title track and if this doesn’t convince you this is an album of worth nothing will. The chorus featuring neon angels and barroom queens is a gem. By this time there’s enough evidence that this album is rich in well crafted music. Sure, there’s something to be said for raw spontaneity and I don’t think that’s lacking but these arrangements help kick things up a gear. There are proper middle eights, handclaps, sparkling keys, engaging backing vox and guitars with the requisite crunch to keep a rock audience satisfied.
The playing here serves the songs but there are some sensitive guitar solos from either Ryan or songwriting collaborator Dave Draper (the CD credits don’t differentiate), Wildhearts alumni Jon Poole’s bass playing keeps the bottom end nailed down in a good way. It’s been suggested elsewhere but musically, if you can imagine a cross between Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Fountains Of Wayne at their rockingest, you won’t be too far off the mark.
The track that might sum up some part of the lyrical territory Ryan covers is That Girl Will Break Your Heart. We’ve all been there and it’s seldom as sweet as Ryan makes it sound.
Weed & Wine could be my favourite track that just screams to be heard live. It’s uptempo and engaging beyond any right it has to be, but of course as a responsible adult (?!) I can’t endorse the sentiment.
I haven’t taken you track by track but be assured, if you like the sound of this, the other songs won’t disappoint. In amongst the wryly observed hope and heartache, could this be the summeriest album of the season?
Mike Bruce | Now Spinning Magazine
