Aqualung, a.k.a. UK multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire Matt Hales, is garnering a lot of comparisons with his new album Memory Man. Coldplay, Thom Yorke, Keane, Travis, Snow Patrol U2… some of these comparisons are well-deserved, though others are completely out of left field. Not all piano-rock is created equally; Aqualung is not nearly so boring as Keane, not nearly so pervasive as Coldplay, not nearly so preachy as U2… Well, you get the picture.

It’s best to cast aside the comparisons and listen to the album for what it is. And there’s a lot to hear on Memory Man: layer upon layer of Hales’ instrumentation, percussion and impressive vocal range. Hales is a talented musician, with more tricks up his sleeve than his prior albums might suggest. Cinderella opens the album with a tinkling piano that promptly explodes into cacophonous guitars then ebbs back to fuzzy vocals and angelic chorus. The five subsequent tracks follow similar structure, particularly album standout Vapour Trail, with musical ebb and flow, catchy hooks and lyrics that worm their way into your head.

The second half of the album sees the rock toned down a bit, and the “Aqualung” sound more prominent. The Lake is mysterious with airy piano, hymnal chorus and Hales’ breathily delivered vocals. Something truly special is delivered on Garden Of Love when the song comes to a near complete halt about halfway through and the lead vocals are taken over by Paul Buchanan (The Blue Nile). Broken Bones wraps the album up just as it opened, with fuzzy vocals and plinky piano.

My first take on Memory Man was that it was quite bland and generic. Continued listening, however, has unearthed quite a gem of an album that has something new to enjoy with each listen. In spite of the comparisons he attracts, Hales has managed to create a work of moody yet exhilarating pop.
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Links
Aqualung [official site] [myspace]