There was once a time when British and American rock were on the same page. Unfortunately, this is not the case now.
As American rock is turning darker and more hedonistic, British rock is becoming more folksy and ethereal in nature. A prime example of this British movement is Draw, Matthew Jay’s debut album.
Jay skipped college to record demos in his bedroom, which became a part of this album. Now at 22, Jay comes out with Draw, one of the rare gems to emerge from Britain. Yet, this album has a distinct feel that distinguishes it from the other “smashing” albums from across the pond.
Even from the first song, “Let Your Shoulders Fall,” it is easy to tell this isn’t American music. It is textured with all sorts of accordions and synths but keeps the presence of Jay’s acoustic guitar work.
This continues on in the second song, “You’re Always Going too Soon.” From there, synths and drum loops take over in “Only Meant to Say.” He then pulls back to a more simple acoustic feel for “Meteorology” and “Remember This Feeling.” Jay goes on to contrast all of the above mentioned with the rockabilly feel of “Call My Name Out” and “The Clearing.”
At times, it is almost scary how much he sounds like the posthumously praised Nick Drake. His voice is soft and innocent yet can swoon and swirl along with the music.
While other acts like Coldplay try desperately to sound like Drake, Jay does it without any effort. This is especially the case on “Please Don’t Send Me Away.” For the most part, the song is just Jay and his acoustic guitar, but it has beautiful synth arrangements flowing in and out of the song.
If Nick Drake were alive today, he’d make this album instead of Jay.
Matthew Jay has some fine company. On this album, Jay joins the ranks of Coldplay, Travis, Badly Drawn Boy and Turin Brakes as the top new talents to come out of Britain in the past few years. Any fans of the above-mentioned groups should definitely look into this album. Even the sparse fans of Nick Drake will find this album disarming.
Sometimes, I wonder when American and British rock will once again join as one. At the same time, I know this will be no time soon. In Britain, every artist wants to win the Mercury Prize; in America every artist just wants to rock out. Because of this dichotomy, rock music will always lose.
