ALBUM REVIEW: Tim Wheeler 'Lost Domain'

Rating:

Ash lead singer Tim Wheeler releases his debut solo album and it’s a beautiful and personal journey through a tragic set of circumstances. The album has the feel of a soundtrack to it and in many ways it does follow an order of events starting with the haunting instrumental “Snow in Nara” which sets the mood perfectly. Its brave to start an album with an instrumental but bravery is a quality that spans the entire recording.

‘End of an era’ is cut from more recognisable cloth and Wheeler’s comforting lilt that has seen so many thirty somethings through adolescence and into adulthood is reassuring and familiar as is the subject matter of uncertainty and change.

Openness and honesty pour through the album and in the case of ‘Do you ever think of me’, with its Elbow like orchestral backing, the heartache and longing needs no further interpretation. Its a powerful and brilliant piece of storytelling.

The album then moves into a personal account of his father Georges’ deterioration from Alzheimer’s and sad passing. The flawless melodies provide a backdrop for the singers commentary on his visits to the hospital, his frustration,helplessness and his pain. What is soothing though is he clearly valued deeply the time he spent with his dad and his father even makes a heartwarming appearance on the piano briefly on ‘Medicine’.

What must be stressed is that while the subject matter is private and painful, this is not a difficult listen. The lyrical content would not work nor be as poignant without the impressively varied and technically proficient music that surrounds it. In fact the music is often far opposed to the heartbreaking songwriting and this dichotomy has created a much more listenable experience than had the temptation to create a more sparse and morose record been taken. It provides diversity in the form of the Jazz influenced ‘Vapour’ and accomplished synth pop on the title track that could be at home on an Ash album. It is also littered with some fine percussion not least from the piano that features so heavily.

The second half of the album concentrates on the grieving process and finding yourself again. It suggests hope has blossomed out of tragedy and when Tim sings “You are not alone” you get the impression this sentiment has many layers. That he is grateful for the loving relationship he had with his father and appreciative of the support that still surrounds him. It is impossible and inappropriate to try and second guess every meaning on the album but i’m not sure it matters, this record will sound relevant and be interpreted accordingly to so many listeners over time.

Its an emotional journey and one that takes several listens to appreciate the skill in creating an album that is both a private memoir and an accessible & versatile piece of music. Tim Wheeler, the crafter of the indie dance hall anthems, has delivered both a beautiful tribute to his Dad and one of the best sounding albums this year.