Steve Tyson and The Train Rex are playing at Wingham on November 16 as part of their album launch tour.
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Byron Bay-based songwriter Steve Tyson does darkness very well with regret-tinged songs of missed chances and jealous-rage murder tales, but on his third solo album Wrong Train Right Station, he balances these with songs with a twinkle in the eye or tongue in cheek.
Tyson has not had the same profile as other chroniclers of the Australian experience like Shane Howard or John Schumann, but the tracks on this new record reveal a master song craftsman with a nuanced lyrical touch and strong melodies.
Although best known for his work with Brisbane folk-rock band Rough Red, Tyson has released two critically acclaimed solo albums prior to this new release, both scoring four-star reviews in the national music press.
On this new set, his weathered voice and superb guitar work – he plays every note on this album – do the talking and suit his songwriting style well.
Wrong Train Right Station shows Tyson at his poignant best, but there is always plenty of grit in the musical delivery here. Nothing is over-polished, but these are songs that are built to last.
Reviewers have had this to say about the album…
“…telling tales of home and family, of travel and politics, wrapped in a dark sense of humour that sets him apart from the myriad others plying a similar trade.” (Sam Fell, Rhythms Magazine)
“Steve Tyson once again delivers a compelling selection of distinctly Australian storytelling.” (Kim Cheshire, Country Update)
“…for the most part, Tyson lets his ruined voice and lucid guitars do the talking.” (Phil Stafford, Courier Mail).
He is joined on tour by his band The Train Rex, featuring John Barr on bass, Andy Kirkcaldie on drums, and Ian Shawsmith on guitars.
He brings his show to the Queen Street Hall in Wingham, on Thursday November 16 at 7.30pm.
Local choir Wingsong will open the show with a set.
For more information, go to www.stevetyson.com.au, email stevetyson@live.com.au, or phone 0411 888 846.