Tyler Lyme

Songs From My Basement is the debut offering from Canadian singer songwriter Tyler Lyme. As the title suggests the album was written and recorded in the basement of his Toronto home. Currently without a record deal, Tyler has recorded and released his album on his own, so any record company people out there should sit up and take note, for this album shows a growing musician with a great deal of talent and promise. 'Songs From My Basement' places Tyler Lyme firmly in the singer songwriter genre but encompases a wide variety of styles including folk, rock, pop, blues and rockabilly conveying Lyme's versalitity as a songwriter and performer. He lists his influences as Ryan Adams, Ron Sexsmith, Morrissey, Neil Young, Nick Drake and the Magnetic Fields and the majority of these influences are evident in his music. The Ryan Adams style rough country vocals are most definitely present along with clever, poetic lyrics similar to Morrissey, and Magnetic Fields. Listening to it, I also get a certain Elliot Smith vibe from the sound of his voice and the introspective feel to the music. Tyler Lyme possesses a voice which is unassuming yet confident and there is a certain youthful passion and energy which comes across in many of the tracks.
The opening title track is a 25 second long interlude that works as a very effective introduction to the rest of the album. The first full length song on the album 'Ok Alright' is one of the strongest tracks on the album and is definitely my personal favourite. With it's infectious chorus, catchey lryics and accoustics guitars, it is definitely something I can imagine listening to on the radio, and is without a doubt a lot better than most of the rubbish that gets played on the radio these days! 'Parts Of Paris' is a quiet ballad with nice vocal harmonies that complement the mood of the song. 'Ain't No Workman's Comp' is a Dylan-esque protest song with great lyrics and works as a veichle to show off Lyme's great guitar skills. 'It's Your Fault' and 'Song For Kara' are both upbeat, poppy songs and provide a strong middle section to the album. 'The price of Gas' is another gem of a track, and another one that sees Tyler sounding like Bob Dylan complete with harmonica introduction and great vocal harmonies.
Overall, 'Songs From My Basement' is a very promising debut album. What it lacks in professionalism is defintely made up with loads of youthful energy and enthusiasm. Tyler Lyme is definitely someone to look for in record stores in the very near future!

www.liquiddarkness.com/lyme.html
- Ruth McNerlan