Mykl Barton’s sophomore album will appeal to lovers of alt-rock.
You can’t talk to people in the Brighton music scene without Mykl Barton’s name cropping up fairly soon on. The multi-instrumentalist, with links to Newcastle and Brighton, has fingers in many musical pies, a collaborator and sounding board for many in that local scene. This second Sick Joy album is well constructed, with many classic rock reference points. If you listened to the album blind of information you would probably guess the makers were American. Tracks are strongly alt-rock, with the occasional hint of grunge. Pearl Jam and Nirvana both come to mind at different points, particularly the latter on ‘Cinnamon Burn.’ Flecks of industrial sound sneak in at other moments. There is real intensity at times, but beautiful widescreen choruses at others.
Stand out tracks can be found within the singles. ‘All Damage’ is an absolute highlight, a furious intro leading into an outstanding song. ‘Nothing Good’ is almost the opposite, a slower paced start leading into heavier choruses. Barton’s vocals get more room to shine on it. ‘Video Game’ bounces along with a propulsive drum beat.
‘Anything Goes’ ups the synths and drum loops, the most Nine Inch Nails of any track on the album. Barton knows how to construct a mood for his songs and is a solid story teller. ‘Stockholm Flavour’ matches the deep intensity.
This is a really enjoyable and very strong collection of rock songs. There are a number of UK and European live events happening over the next month.
Essential tracks: ‘All Damage,’ ‘Nothing Good,’ ‘Video Game’ and
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