Known for his work as a founder member of indie-folk band Noah and The Whale, who he toured the world with for almost ten years, Matt’s solo music has drawn attention to his own songwriting, allowing him to explore an edgier side, telling stories laced with dark humour and wit that will appeal both to fans who have followed his career to date, and those looking for something grittier, and less polished. He released his solo debut `Whiskey and Orchids` in 2019, `Scorched Earth` in 2020 and `Beer For The Horses` in October 2022. His latest album `Way Out West` is released this month. The title was the name of the Twickenham guitar store where Owens’ bought his first electric guitar and what the Irish called the far-flung parts of Cork, Shannon, and Kerry where he began to re-connect with the cornerstones of his songwriting.
The album opens with `One For The Grapes` and it initially has a kind of Southern rock guitar flavour before it moves towards a much more introspective musing with Owens and Camilla Skye trading vocals and Americana, country and folk singer songwriter Robert Vincent adding some delightful harmonica tinges at the end. A song of possibly realising that you should spend time with your partner, but the call of a live gig and a beer is too strong. `Glasgow City Lights` to me, had a kind of Tom Petty meets Bruce Springsteen vibe. A fairly anthemic listen and a great chorale in praise of Glasgow , “Baile Mòr nan Gàidheal” or this city of the gaels.
`5 Years Into Marriage` is a sad and emotional reflection on matrimony where both partners have realised that it`s run its course but both seem almost reluctant to bite the bullet and end it. The wonderful Hannah White is the perfect foil to trade breathy vocals on this heartbreaking tale. The pace slows down on the ballad like `You’re Not Gone` a story of missing somebody when their not there.
`Blindsided By Time` runs at around the eight minute mark but doesn`t feel overly long. It`s a fairly deep meditative musing which had the kind of roots rock intensity that Mark Knopfler exudes. A really contemplative number that really draws you in. There`s an initial gospel feel to `Morning Light` before it becomes a little more melancholic, reflecting on life and how times passes.
`Both Sides Of The Line` is a mid-tempo rhythmic foot tapper while the reflective chronicle `The Bard Of The Bars` brought to mind The Waterboys Mike Scott`s deep incisive observations.
It may be the harmonica intro and piano keys and organ but `Hope The Darkness Pulls You Through` brought to mind that Springsteen texture along with the lyrical content that tells a story that you feel you can picture in your cinematic minds eye. We have an edgier submission with `Death Sickness And Heartache` that could well have been written by that sadly departed heartbreaker Tom Petty.
The album closes out with `Twickenham Station` a number that reminisces on the singer`s childhood and adolescent years. A nostalgic rumination on earlier places he lived and the places that shaped him. The haunting harmonica and organ tinges add a further emotive poignancy to this personal recollection.
A quick shout must go out to the members of The Delusional Vanity Project and others who brought Matt`s vision to life with Jimmy Besley, Duncan Kingston, James Jack, Geoffrey Widdowson, Jim Godfrey, Rhodes, Camilla Skye, Eddie Johns, Hannah White, Keiron Marshall, and last but no means least Robert Vincent.
`Way Out West` is a wonderfully eclectic run through of a variety of musical styles and I know there`ll be something here for everyone to enjoy. The songs are engagingly melodic and catchy, and the lyrics are at times delightfully thoughtful. Another British singer-songwriter who has a bright future ahead.
Rating 9/10
REVIEW : MATT OWENS & THE DELUSIONAL VANITY PROJECT – WAY OUT WEST (2024)
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