Album Reviews

Jonah's Revenge Review April 09.

"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)

"Jonah's Revenge" Album Review March 09.

"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

"Jonah's Revenge" Album Review Nov 08

"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

"Dead Flowers By Midnight" Album Review July 07

"Brummie singer/songwriter Matt Tyler is the epitome of the local hero, gigging like there is no tomorrow and now releasing his fourth CD for the faithful.
A self admitted Springsteen fan - one of his previous outings was a set of covers - its no surprise that The Boss haunts tracks such as "Conspiracy Theory" and "Heal".
But there is more to Tyler than that. "Julia", a song which recalls Sutherland Brothers standard "Arms Of Mary", is a gentle delight, and there's even a hint of late-period Lennon to be heard in "Deepest Love". Catch him on July 12th at Birmingham's Custard Factory"

Jack Daniels of "The Sunday Mercury" 08/07/07.

"Following on from his Springsteen's cover album, MATT TYLER returns with his first solo album of all original material, "Dead Flowers By Midnight" (Dannyboy Records). Written over the past two years, it's somewhat diverse in its stylings, ranging between the Dylan/Petty like stadium power ballad "Conspiracy Theory" to the funkyish beats of folk-swaggering guitar rocker "Heal", the falsetto tones of "Julia" and the big ballad "Deepest Love".

Tyler's a solid writer with a decent voice.....a talent well worth keeping close eye on."

Mike Davies "The Brum Beat". (28/07/07).

"Brilliant Disguise" Album Review January 07.

"Such things (Tribute albums) should generally be approached with caution, several Springsteen cover collections having been known to send fans screaming in pain and outrage. But Tyler can count himself among the ranks of those who have done justice by the Boss!"

"Adopting a Nebraska style stripped down approach to up-tempo numbers such as Dancing In The Dark, Glory Days and Thunder Road, his throaty delivery serving well on a striking acapella reading of The River that underscores its folk roots."

"Plaudits too for not just sticking to the usual suspects, but including his interpretations of lesser sung tracks Devils and Dust, Empty Sky and Sad Eyes."

"There’s no faulting Tyler’s performance, and his promise"

Excepts from Brilliant Disguise Review by Mike Davies of "Birmingham 101.com".2006.