He has come of age and developed his blend of blues, blues rock, and pop based rock, and delivers it all with his impressively soulful voice. Despite the inclusion of a track called “Running On Empty”, not a reworking of the Jackson Browne song, there is only one cover in the twelve song set. For that he takes apart Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy” and gives it an acoustic run through that works one every level.
If you were to play the opening track “Soul” and not get any further most of the above possibly wouldn’t ring true. It introduces the album in an expertly written radio friendly way with chiming guitar and an infectious hook. Anyone in charge of a radio slot needs to check this one out, it’s that good.
“Forever” soothes a path for another switch this time to acoustic blues with the only cover “Crazy”.The massive riff of “Big Sleep” kicks aside its gentle acoustic introduction. “Running On Empty” shows just how far his songwriting skills have grown with another potential airwave pleaser.
This is again the case with the soothingly soulful “Superficial” and “Early Morning Dew”. Aynsley’s vocals are superb throughout and he injects a genuine emotion into the song that justifiably radiates a balanced self confidence and belief.
After this gentle passage, and as if to prove he can power out smouldering blues like the best and rest of them, he blasts back with “Running Out On Me” which includes another scorching guitar solo. “Sugar Low” and a nicely worked “Hurricane” draw this impressive album to a close.
Upside Down was a very good album and is well worth checking out but Equilibrium manages to take it that extra step. Since his arrival Aynsley has always been one to watch. Now he has shaken off that ‘potential’ tag and become a standout established performer in his own right.
Try and catch this guy live. The dates and further information are on his website or you can listen to samples on his MySpace page.
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