Talking Loud
Yakketeeyak, 2022
8/10
A Grammy-nominated songwriter and guitarist, Ajay Mathur brings us a 5th album where themes of acceptance and acknowledgement stem from Mathur on vocals, guitar, keys and effects along with percussionist Fausto Medici, bassist Richard Hugener and guitarist Christian Winiker, among many guests.
“Sooner Or Later” starts the listen with a bright blast of nostalgic power-pop, where Antonia Gasser’s soulful backing vocals and Medici’s punchy drumming make for an instantly memorable opener, and “Real” follows with Mathur’s melodic guitar and Hugener’s precise bass making for a breezy, pop friendly affair.
Further along, “Anytime At All” opens with gentle piano from Michael Dolmetsch before warm pedal steel thanks to Steve Birrer helps cultivate a more Americana tinted landscape, while “I Need You Now” showcases Gregory Schaerer’s skilled bass alongside Mathur’s strummed acoustic guitar for a calmer, singer-songwriter album highlight.
Nearing the end, the diverse “Comedian” employs strings courtesy of Toni Nesler, where processed vocals give it an orchestral meets psychedelic feel, and “Reasons To Cry” continues this lead into a dreamy, nearly New Age-esque finish.
An artist who was born and raised in India and currently resides in Switzerland, Mathur brings a very worldly vision to an endeavor that will appeal to fans of legends like The Beatles, David Bowie, Tom Petty and Jackson Browne.
And who could possibly have a problem with that?
Travels well with: Kevin Keller- Front Porch Of Heaven; Folks Like Them- Open The Door