Lost In A Sound is another lovely chapter in the songwriting collaboration between English indie artist Ian M. Bailey and Scottish singer/songwriter Daniel Wylie of Cosmic Rough Riders fame. Daniel did some heavy lifting on this album along with Ian, co-writing lyrics and music, and co-arranging the songs. It brings a sense of expansive openness and peace to my frazzled mind. With collective influences ranging from Gene Clark to David Crosby, the pair have magically spun a lush treatise on love of all flavours, from our relationships with family to a love of the natural world. Ian has a marvellous voice and the production is pristine and spacious.
I immediately latched onto ‘Rooks’, whose lines about “Their masters in their counting house, With profits getting higher” really hit home. It’s a forthright song that immediately snags your attention, and it remains a high point for me. ‘I’ll Be There To Save You’ reminds me of beautiful orchestral pop used to soundtrack movies and television. I am especially drawn to “I am here beside you now, for love is in my blood”. I am in love with whales, so I enjoyed the pretty ‘White Whale’, an homage to belugas. ‘New Year’s Eve 2010’ examines a breakup and the difficulty of moving on. The vocals here remind me of Tom Petty in his quieter moments.
‘Welcome to the Desert’ amps up the energy and offers cool imagery, followed by the Southwestern vibe on ‘Never Read the Signs’. ‘Don’t Let the Garden Die’ is my favorite song here, hitting home on lines such as “Don’t let today go by, and forget the beautiful things, the beautiful things, that make your heart sing”. ‘The Desert Could Be Mars’ is the final song in this captivating suite, evoking a sense of isolation and a bit of wonder. This is very fine work from two of my favourite artists, and I highly recommend this release. I am looking forward to future works!
