Customer Reviews

Aqualung

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Here's Aqualung aka Matt Hales' debut album, and the subject matter of romance and unrequited love comes up again and again in this record, while the feeling of helplessness and chilled-out aura is created primarily by minimal piano sounds, acoustic guitars and lavish string productions. Hale's brittle vocals are bound to be compared to Thom Yorke's, and songs such as 'Just For A Moment' could easily be lifted off OK Computer. However, Hale's lonesome lyrics add to the desolate feel of the album, and his depressing and self-conscious songwriting is repeatedly moving. The anguish and heartbreak that surrounds the Volkswagen-sponsored 'Strange and Beautiful' makes it the stand-out track of the album, with Hales' recurring minimalist use of instruments in effective form. The whole album drips with melancholy and dryness, with 'If I Fall' and 'Gentle' as prime examples of that. However, this may be the where the shortcomings of the album is found. Despite the sad atmosphere that hangs around the whole record, Hales never really pushes the boundaries, and we are left with a record that genuinely moves the listener, but never truly inspires. An open and honest look into the fragilities of the heart, Matt Hales has provided a mesmeric debut brimming with bleak beauty and reflections, and he must be praised for that.

Ricky

I absolutely adore this album. None of the songs are really all that upbeat and most even lack a drum track, but it couldn't have been done any better. I feel that the album focuses on Matt Hales' astounding voice and is right on the money in doing so. From the signature waltz 'Strange and Beautiful' to the haunting 'Halfway to the Bottom', Aqualung hits every correct note. If you are a lover of beautiful voices, quiet, down-tempo waltzes and ballads, and simply gorgeous music, check Aqualung out.

Aqualung got my attention with "Easier to lie", "Brighter than sunshine" and "something to believe in" which are all in other albums. But once I was converted and listening to all the songs, I find myself returning to several songs from this album, over and over. They're just so soothing and inspiring, like a massage or an embrace. Some are deceivingly simple, with many layers to savour.

"If I fall", "just for a moment", "everything changed", "gentle" "halfway to the bottom" and "nowhere" are my faves.

I'd recommend having a playlist with this and the other albums, to balance the soothing and delicate with the extra oomph and excitement from his latter stuff.

Matt Hale, like Chris Martin can really put his emotions into song. Amazing... although I'm not liking his second album, he should really stick to heartfelt and leave the fast catchy stuff to others.

Aqualung sound like they were shut in a room listening to an endless loop of Radiohead. It's going to take a second album to being to convince critics, but there is plenty here that is promising. The opening track 'Strange and Beautiful' has a fairy tell ache to it, and a perfect balance between the striking chords and silence. Lots of talent here, so let's see if they figure out how to take third wheel off the tricycle and bike on their own.

This the album of the year. Every person in the planet should own a copy of this cd. Please buy it