Its been 16 years since Bill Ryder-Jones left the band The Coral and in that time he has carved out and impressive catalogue of solo albums. His latest release, lechyd Da, came out almost a year ago to great critical acclaim. The personal album explores relationships and how one feels at their most vulnerable. On several tracks, Jones really captures the emotions of love and life in general.
This is expressed on songs like “It’s Today Again” Jones sings, “There’s something great about life/But there’s something not quite right” or on “If Tomorrow Starts Without Me” with the line “I’ve a sense of shame when it feels alright”. Several songs are minimal with just piano or guitar but others like “Nothing To Be Done” are dramatically sweeping on a track where he seems resigned to fate.
“This Can’t Go On” is an atmospheric mini epic that could have been lifted from Mercury Rev’s classic Deserter’s Songs album. Throughout the self produced album, Bill Ryder-Jones is emotional but it never turns soppy. Instead it lets the listener peak into his emotions while reflecting on their own.
8/10
The Light Appears 