Wyatt Moss-Wellington - Gen Y Irony Stole My Heart

I've been trying to decide whether or not to write this review as purely a music listener, or as a music listener who happens to know those involved in the the music making. In the end I think I'm going to have to admit that while I am slightly influenced by the fact that I'm friends with them, I'm still very much aware of what I like musically, and will review it accordingly.

I've known Wyatt Moss-Wellington since Year 9 when he walked into my Maths class as the "new student", was assigned to sit across from me and immediately collapsed onto his desk in exasperation, banging his head deliberately and saying "Fuck". From such interesting beginnings, Wyatt is now my closest friend. I've been there to witness much of his musical growth from it's already well-established place in 9th grade.

Gen Y Irony Stole My Heart is Wyatt's 2nd album release, although I was privy to a collection of recordings he did while at uni that was never 'released' per se. Through the development you can witness over 2 or 3 albums of any artist, my reaction to this latest release is: I like where he's headed!

Don't get me wrong, The Supermarket And The Turncoat is a brilliant album and has songs on it that I simply love, But Gen Y Irony is right up my alley. Between albums, Wyatt procured a delay or reverb pedal (I'm not sure exactly which, nor it's technical term) and this piece of equipment sent him experimenting right into the styles of music I love. He has developed interesting and echoing introductions to songs which he plays live and has adapted to introduce the album, which he describes as an "album of progressive folk songs, experiments in sound, humour and pathos."

This is a collection of songs that are all synonymous with Wyatt and his style. There are a smattering of beautiful and moving folk-folk story songs like Spencer and Screaming For Some Peace; some more ambient, experimental songs like PSA: Sour Visits Sonic Chemical Plant In Dark Castle and Prelude To A Sanitary Apocalypse; and then some perfectly executed satirical humour in Wyatt's Gangsta Rap Yea Pwned.

The magical pedal and other production techniques even took 40th Anniversary which I had heard live a few times from being classed in my head as "one of Wyatt's story songs that has a message behind it" to a fascinating track with some brilliant sounds and textures happening throughout it.

There's only one track I'm not quite there with. I understand it's conception and place on the album, it just doesn't click with me. Portnoy's Sanction (Sex Is Pretty Good). I'm just not sure about it.

Love Song Louise Vol. 2, however is simply beautiful, summarizing the concerns of a contemporary couple who are in love and simply want to stay in love. The love and inspiration that Wyatt and Louise draw from each other is evident in both their albums. (You'll have to read my review of Wartime Sweethearts album to get the other side of the story).

I need to add at least one sentence about the cover version of Hammond Song originally performed by The Roches. It would have been a hard feat to cover this song, do justice to the original and make it your own all at the some time. Wyatt has achieved this. This is a fantastic version of a fantastic song! Of course I need to mention the lovely voices of Louise Nutting and Nina Stamell which created such great harmonies.

Finally, I don't think i can finish this review without elaborating on my feelings towards PSA: Sour Visits Sonic Chemical Plant In Dark Castle. This track brings to mind múm and Gentle Giant. It's one of those ambient practically lyric-less pieces of music that when combined with the title gives a vivid sense of scene and story. I love it. It's dark and dramatic and incredibly well realised.

So, Wyatt's 'out-of-the-box' style (even his MySpace classes him as 'Other') is well worth a listen and a get-to-know. Also, doing my bit for business, you should be aware that you can buy this brilliant album from Wyatt's Web Site, iTunes, and CDBaby. And buy it you should! It'll give you something to listen to, enjoy and think about all in one! What a package deal!