"Jonah's Revenge" (Released Nov 08)!

"Jonah's Revenge' is the latest album from prolific Birmingham acoustic folk rocker Matt Tyler; it's a powerful and at times intense work that showcases Tyler's forceful and honest, up-front approach. 

Tyler's songs are massively robust and extremely mature and act as brilliant starting blocks from which Tyler positively launches himself into the task in hand. 

Multi-instrumentalist Tyler plays all the instruments on this impressive work and thereby maintains total control of the end product such that 'Jonah's Revenge' is very much a work about the man and his music; and from 'Jonah's Revenge' I get the distinct feeling that Tyler's perhaps someone that can hold his own in any situation, wouldn't flinch at a challenge and stands proudly by anything he says or does!

Matt Tyler has a touch of real hard-core about him; his enthusiasm is near tangible and he seems to channel all his energy into the delivery of his wonderfully working-class Springsteen-esque songs to make them totally believable and at times personal. 

Tyler doesn't once over-embellish his songs, preferring to always err on the side of reproducible honesty. It's a clever move and a very genuine approach that should help Tyler reach out to, and communicate with, his audiences. 

The Matt Tyler way is definitely all about confidence and belief; Tyler has no problem with expressing himself through his music, he certainly isn't afraid of the microphone and doesn't shy away from making his point. He communicates extremely well and lets his words range-out with total freedom as he provides relatively stripped-back instrumental support that doesn't once get in the way. 

'Jonah's Revenge' by Matt Tyler is an excellent album that should do well for Matt Tyler. Some might just find Tyler's vocal style a little bit too up-front but hey, that's what the guy is all about, Tyler ain't no shrinking violet, he's a man with things to say and wants to share his words with anyone who'll listen - cool album; great lyrics and musically very tasteful, Matt Tyler delivers a gripping work with massive confidence and great professionalism."

Peter J Brown aka toxic pete (www.toxicpete.co.uk)

"As the songs roll past, images are concocted of a Texan Troubadour, singing a rowdy bar to contemplative silence, or a Springsteen creating rough demos in the middle of the night, or a denim clad Eagles roadie finally going it alone, with his own stories and secrets.

There is Americana and folk and heartfelt rock, all instruments played by this Birmingham native, utilizing a left of centre warmth and a natural feel for personal , intimate moments.

With a voice just on the right side of rough, Tyler allows the songs to soar melodically through uncluttered arrangements, hooking into the mind with a wry pop sensibility.

Stand out tracks for this reviewer are ‘Icarus’ which swoops and dives through the air like the character in the title and the sweetly orchestrated, ‘Lorraine’

If you can imagine the aural lovechild of Buckley in his folk phase, and early David Grey, this album captures that perfectly."

                                                                                                                                                                            NBT Music  http://nbtmusic.wordpress.com

"Several albums down the line, MATT TYLER’s latest, Jonah’s Revenge (Dannyboy) is probably his best yet. Still firmly acoustic based and harking to Americana and folk rock of the Dylan/Springsteen persuasion, it kicks off with the sterling and stadium pumped Rustic Hero, Tyler’s trebly twang voice growly and soaring over the verses. It’s a similar approach on In 2 Deep and Anastasia, two more solid and melodically soaring examples of his rough blue collar Americana folk. Icarus, with its harmonica intro and strummed guitar, is another stand out, perhaps suggesting echoes of Mike Peters in the heartfelt delivery and tumbling chorus melody."

"Certainly another credible step in an increasingly impressive career."

Mike Davies The BEAT and BRUMBEAT

I can’t believe it has been over a year since “Dead Flowers By Midnight” was released. 

I have spent much of 2008 cocooned in the studio to create this album for you. Like all my albums, changes have taken place from the last CD. The sound is much more mellow and has a softer edge to it, whilst the drums have been discarded in favour of a more acoustic and basic-toned album. It is something I feel has bought about a new dimension to my music that is perhaps better suited and truer to my “live” sound. 

The writing process of this album is something that came about very quickly in contrast to last time. Having spent so long recording and promoting “Dead Flowers By Midnight” I was bursting with ideas and inspiration from the off. Therefore, I more or less knew the songs I wanted to record before I started. 

The songs in this release are much more story-based, or inspired by true events or people/characters whilst the tracks on “DFBM” were more melody based songs. Elements of my childhood, my heroes, and my inspirations in life have leaked their way into my writing, which was interesting to explore. 

I hope you enjoy the slight change in musical direction and like the new songs. I give you “Jonah’s Revenge”.

Matt Tyler 30th September 2008

Released on Dannyboy Records November 2007, distributed by Orchard Music. It is available at the online shop now CLICK HERE! for just £5.99 (inc p&p). You can pay by paypal (click here) or by personal cheque payable to D.LLOYD. 

Available on all good digital music sites worldwide including iTunes, Napster, eMusic, Amazon, 7 Digital, etc... 

Link for iTunes here: