As the frontman with the incendiary Ash, Tim Wheeler is very much the “rock god”. For two decades and counting, the Downpatrick native has delivered an array of alternative anthems, which will remain staples of the genre for generations to come. For his first ever solo album though, Wheeler leaves behind the power chords and distortion pedals and embraces a bold new style. The results are spell-binding.
It is a record inspired by sorrow and strength, as the songwriter deals with the loss of his dad. While it is unflinchingly honest, it’s by no means maudlin. Instead, Lost Domain is a cathartic experience for both musician and listener: this is his best work to date. His guitar playing is bewitching on the beautiful ‘Snow In Nara’, his flirtations with jazz (‘Vapour’) and ‘80s synth pop (‘End Of An Era’) are a joy, while the 10-minute ‘Medicine’ is a masterpiece, packed with brass, strings, choirs and soaring guitars. All in all, it’s an absolute triumph.
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