I came late to Tim Wheeler’s Lost Domain. But that’s okay.

It’s a collection of songs that isn’t going to stomp its feet looking for attention. The Ash frontman’s debut solo album is one of those rare pieces of work that’s content to bide its time waiting for you to come to it, aware that when you do – depending on where you find yourself in your own life at the time – there’s every chance you’ll fall hard.
The subject matter – Tim’s father’s sad, slow succumbing to Alzheimers disease – might suggest it’s a record easier to admire than to listen to. But Wheeler’s gift for melody remains irrepressible. And here– at the service of songs of seeping, clear-eyed tragedy (‘Vigil’ is especially heartbreaking) — it’s almost unbearable. If there’s been a more humane, searching, raw and emotionally-potent record released in the last twelve months, I’ll be surprised. If it has better choruses, I’ll be shocked.
Years ago he played a few shows with Michael Head from Shack. Given the sometimes calamitous detours Head has experienced in his personal and professional life, his example is maybe not one you’d encourage any artist to follow.
And yet. And yet. Head has a catalogue of songs that take your breath away. Lean in, even just a little, and you’ll be blessed with thirty years of material (running from The Pale Fountains, through Shack, The Strands and up to The Red Elasticn Band) that will live alongside you. Lost Domain gives proof to a suspicion long-fostered by the best of Ash, that Tim Wheeler is a similarly long-term bet.
It is one of the albums under consideration for album of the year at the 2015 NI Music Awards.
The list is an atypically strong one this year. Soak’s debut, Southlands by Malojian, and the great Sea Legs collaboration between Ciaran Lavery and Ryan Vail are all strong contenders – and could all stand tall if they picked up the prize. Even outside bets from Duke Special, AxisOf and Therapy? wouldn’t cause a recount if they won. In fact, there isn’t a dud in there.
Lost Domain doesn’t strike me as a record that needs any validation. I’m not even sure it’s a record that needs many sales (although that would be nice). But, for me, and with due respect to the rest of the artists on the list, it’s a record that, despite the sadness – actually because of the sadness – we should champion.
From a terrible personal experience, Tim Wheeler has produced something that laments, dignifies and ultimately celebrates his father. That he’s also written some of the most open-hearted, welcoming music of his life only adds to the achievement.
Lost Domain is a very special find indeed.