The opening chords of Paul Wilkes’ EP Take the Sunlight seem to set the listener up for a wistful, lilting ballad, and while not deviating drastically from that sound, it is obvious that Wilkes’ EP is much more than just background music. The title track harks to a ‘Fields of Gold’ type heritage, yet also seems to be constantly on the brink of a climatic explosion. ‘Lonely Eyes’ sees Wilkes at his most Richard Hawley, with a jangling, jaunty yet honest love song, and ‘Sky Has Fallen Down’ resonates with some of Paul Weller’s solo work. Final track ‘My Own’ is a more ambient affair – twanging guitars, and a more ethereal vocal, this track simultaneously marks a contrast and a continuation from the rest of the EP.

While obviously taking influences from some of the greats, Wilkes’ voice prevents his EP from being too heard-before; Wilkes’ vocals aren’t the croons of Hawley, nor the rugged tones of Weller, but something entirely his own. His music also has a rather eerie quality to it, despite being uplifting at the same time, providing evidence of a deep understanding of what music can achieve. ‘Lonely Eyes’ is the EP’s most positive track musically, despite having the most melancholy title, displaying evidence of the bridge between the two ends of the emotional spectrum that is present across all of this four-track collection. With such musical mastery, and an ability to be unique, Wilkes has all the qualities that are needed to succeed.

Take The Sunlight is out now on Portous Records.

Live dates:
August 30th – Liverpool – LIMF bandstand, Sefton Park
November 8th – Minehead – Shiiine Weekender

Tara Hodgson
@tarahodgson