Moss-Wellington, Wyatt: Gen Y Irony Stole My Heart

Wyatt Moss-Wellington is a Sydney based musician who has just released his second album Gen Y Irony Stole My Heart, the follow up album to The Supermarket and the Turncoat, released in 2009. Wyatt plays a multitude of instruments including vocals, guitars, bass, mandolin, keys, piano and programming. A few guests help him out with violin, double bass, drums, tuba and harmony vocals.

In the press release the music is labeled as progressive folk and that seems as good a description as any although he also touches on space, classical and jazz. The songs have a quirky nature about them and at times venture into the avant-garde and there are some beautiful melodies scattered throughout. Compelling sound effects are also used often, adding to the album's overall strangeness. As peculiar as some of these songs are, Wyatt has an inherent ability to incorporate catchy melodies amidst all the strangeness; unfortunately it doesn't always work. More on that later.

The album begins with "Intro", a short, spacey offering with quirky narrative and wild shards of sound effects. The classical/folk of "Coming Down" features lush lead and background vocals and impressive violin by Ian Watson. Perhaps the album's most beautiful piece is the poignant "Spencer", reminding me a little of Paul Simon in the vocal department and featuring sweet acoustic guitar. The lyrics are absolutely heartwrenching.

My favourite song is the is the breezy "Hammond Song" where a jazzy bass line and acoustic strumming combine with the fantastic harmony vocals of Louise Nutting and Nina Stamell. When this album is good, it's very good. Unfortunately there are some miscues along the way. "PSA" is a little too weird for my tastes as the vocalizations don't really do it for me although the music isn't bad. The head puzzling "Wyatt's Gangsta Rap Yea Pwned" is probably the largest misstep with some bad rapping that seems more than a little out of place. Wyatt's tongue and cheek humour is very evident but it comes as a disappointment after hearing some of the album's better tracks. He is capable of so much more. If Wyatt would concentrate more on songs like the acoustic folk ballad "Love Song Louise Vol. 2", again the Paul Simon similarities crop up, his music would be all the better for it.

This is one of those albums that really is a contrast of styles going from beautiful folk music one minute to strange avant-garde music the next. I suppose it keeps one from losing interest but I cannot help thinking this album could have been that much better if not for those occasional head scratching moments.

Track Listing:
1. Intro
2. Coming Down
3. Spencer
4. PSA: Sour Visits Sonic Chemical Plant In Dark Castle
5. Arguments
6. Portnoy's Sanction (Sex Is Pretty Good)
7. Hammond Song
8. Wyatt's Gangsta Rap Yea Pwned
9. Screaming For Some Peace
10. 40th Anniversary
11. Love Song Louise Vol. 2
12. Prelude To A Sanitary Apocalypse
13. The Suicide Bomber
14. Alifib

Added: January 23rd 2011
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 2009
Language: english

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