Tom Emlyn’s debut album ‘News From Nowhere’ is a needle in a haystack
A few months after releasing a debut album with Bandicoot, Tom is back — but this time sans the rest of the band.
Photo: Press
This solo debut is an eclectic and masterful debut that is adrift with euphoria. It really is one of a kind.
Paying attention and supporting bands leads to finding gold dust like News From Nowhere — an album that may as well find itself a place in my top ten of the year. If I could force everyone to listen to it, then I would.
The album starts off with a Welsh-titled track, Ymerodraeth, which translates to Empire. A teaser, perhaps, for what’s to come; it offers no lyrics, just building tension, like a champagne cork waiting to be popped.
If I were to say this album was nothing short of brilliant, genius, etc, then I would be completely spot on. With notes of psychedelic-rock, folk and twangs of Pulp-esque vocals, this album is truly the best Pinterest board of influences one could make into their debut.
Favourites of the album have to be the complexities of Think Twice, Caught The Sun, Under The Street and Beaujolais Day (thanks to its upbeat tempo and non-stop feel). Quieter, calmer moments come from delights Throwaway, Empire and Cover Band.
Despite being new to the solo scene, Tom has etched a sound that puts him on par with some seasoned pros. Vocally, slithers of Tom Beer from Bull and Ben Gregory from Blaenavon are ever so reminiscent throughout the whole album.
To put it simply, I love this album. It truly is special.
