KEVIN MYLES WILSON and his band play the El Mocambo tonight (Thursday, May 3). See listing. Rating: NNN
The debut EP from Toronto singer/songwriter Kevin Myles Wilson makes a solid first impression. The spacious arrangements – essentially just Wilson singing over quietly picked acoustic guitar – leave lots of opportunity for us to zero in on his voice, which is brawny, restrained and full of sincerity.
His vocals are the highlight, so it was smart to focus on them. The lyrics share a searching, melancholic quality, giving the impression of a young musician trying to find his path in life. At times they lack subtlety (My Son), but Wilson’s writing instincts largely feel right.
Touches of lap steel, strings, female vocal harmonies and percussion make effective, understated appearances. The Wasted Years has an intermittent shuffle beat, broken-hearted ditty More Than Love has a really effective French horn part, while Ode To A Businessman shows off the unforced vibrato in Wilson’s voice.
Top track: The Wasted Years
