Glaswegian singer-songwriter Dylan John Thomas released his self-titled album earlier this month via Ignition Records, which will delight his army of fans up and down the UK. The folk/indie artist toured the UK at the end of 2023 with just about every show sold out, including a three night run at Glasgow’s Barrowland, proving that his music is well loved.
The thirteen track album is packed with previously released songs kicking off with Fever, a fans favourite at the gigs and Thomas’ most streamed song, with the signature acoustic intro leading into some powerful lyrics. Feel The Fire moves along the same lines, opening with: “Took my medication but I think it’s wearing off/You can tell ‘cause I’m not well”. Hard hitting lyrics indeed. Thomas has matured into an outstanding musician and songwriter, with the first seeds of fame laid out when fellow Glaswegian Gerry Cinnamon took him on tour a few years back (at the ripe age of 17). On top of this, he’s toured with the likes of the Gallagher brothers of Oasis fame and Ocean Colour Scene, and appeared at major festivals including Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds and TRNSMT amongst others.
There is a fair amount of musical diversity on this album. For example Up In The Air, a ska-inspired track, opens with flute music and has a very catchy chorus, which fans quickly caught on to when it was released late last year, causing lots of mayhem on the tour. One of the three unreleased tracks, Melancholy’s Cure, begins with Thomas whistling optimistically and opening with the lyrics “Like a bird on a wing/She is a vision to behold”. Rich Boy is another ska-inspired song and there is definitely a Madness and The Specials influence running through this one, as Thomas sings about the gap between the rich and poor.
Champs-Elysees is another of the new ones and is sure to become a fan-favourite with its very catchy chorus. Jenna is one of the most recognised songs that Thomas has written and we are delighted that it has made the album, while the acoustic guitar playing on Lovely Day is another highlight. The closing track on the album, Wake Up Ma, was recorded at one of the live Barrowland shows. With lyrics such as “Fifteen foster homes/three meals a day/Can’t fill the hole, can’t fill the hole left in my heart” Thomas doesn’t mince his words and there is no hiding place from the powerful, raw emotions that emit from this track.
The likeable Glaswegian is famous for his bushy, curly hair and singing songs from the heart, which he does to astonishing effect on this LP. If you ever get a chance to catch Dylan John Thomas on tour then we would highly recommend that you do so – like riding an emotional rollercoaster, you’ll be gripped.
9/10
Standout Tracks: Rich Boy, Jenna, Wake Up Ma
For Fans Of: Gerry Cinnamon, Jamie Webster, Shambolics
Written by: Alan Brown
