Danny Bryant, Revelation - album review

By his own admission, the 12 months leading up to releasing it were ‘the very hardest of my life’. In a short space of time he lost a close friend, followed by his father after a long illness.

“Dad played bass in my band for many years and together we stood side by side playing over two thousand shows, we travelled the world together, he was my best friend and the bedrock of this family,” explains Danny of how hard the loss was felt.

That sadness and poignancy does come through in the music. Some of the solos and interludes are pained – particularly that intro to Isolate. It’s constantly building up to a chorus in which keys set the stage for his heartbroken guitar to let loose it oozes feeling.

A more acoustic approach is taken to Someday The Rains Will Fall, but the underlying feeling of loss is still prevalent.

But if we are going to be over-critical there are two parts where the record lets itself down a bit. Each track is a little too long. Nearly all pushing past the five-minute mark, some could have a little fat trimmed to make the message more succinct. Especially on Shouting At The Moon. It doesn’t really need that long closing solo. Or at least not one at that length.

Also, Danny’s voice is neither the greatest, nor does it suit this type of more melancholic music. When he does let loose with his scratched, aggressive best like on the title track he sounds more at home. But sometimes the more emotive moments don’t quite work with his style of singing.

However, there are some tight tracks here too.

Single Sister Decline is one-such number where Bryant does go louder. His guitars here positively sing. Perhaps allowed to shackle the heartbreak a little he shows what he can really do.

But if this is your first experience of a Danny Bryant record, despite the emotion running throughout it might not do enough to bring you back for more.

Rating: 6/10

Danny Bryant kicks off his new UK tour at Bilston’s Robin 2 on Monday, May 7