Willy Mason - Save Myself (Virgin)
4/5
By: Michael Cragg
'Where The Human Eats', Willy Mason's debut album, was a dirt-covered gem; a slow-burner that eventually found its way into the homes of over 100,000 people. Never knowingly showy, it revealed itself over time, with lead single 'Oxygen' becoming a kind of totem for a disaffected youth. Not that Mason is guilty of attempting to put words into young people's mouths from a middle-aged perspective, at just 21 years old he's young enough to know how it feels to be lost, frustrated and helpless.
This could all come across as distinctly po-faced were it not for two factors. Firstly, 'Save Myself' is a brilliantly crafted song with a nagging melody and wonderfully acerbic lyrics ("When the vultures copyright the word 'free'"). Secondly, there's sincerity to the way Mason delivers these lines, each syllable laced with a desperate hopelessness. It's no coincidence that during last year's Radiohead tour, Mason was the sole support act, his worldview very much in parallel with a certain Mr Yorke's.
Whilst 'Save Myself' isn't a million miles away from the terrain ventured on 'Where The Human Eats', it is a step forward. 'Oxygen' may have proved a minor hit but there were few other memorable melodies from the accompanying album. As a first offering from his recently released second album 'If The Ocean Gets Rough', 'Save Myself' is evidence that Mason's knack for song writing is growing in stature. Two albums in and Willy Mason is beginning to carve himself a bright future. They'll be calling him the new Dylan next...
Artists in this article: Willy Mason
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