Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

I first came across Tyrone Wells when he was the frontman of the rock band Skypark in the '90s. His band are still together and working as indies in the USA and meanwhile he's also launched himself as a singer/songwriter and 'Hold On' is an absolute triumph. Ok, there was never any doubt that the boy could sing but he seems to have drowned in a great big fat vat of soul for this album. With a tight band and an organic soulful rock'n'folk sound, this really works. From the understated "Baby Don't You Change" and the gorgeous soulfulness of "Sea Breeze" to the acoustic romance and fabulous string arrangement of "Looking At Her Face", this is a captivating mainstream album and leaves me wondering why Wells hasn't already become more popular. Highlights for me include the fabulous ballad "Dream Like New York" which demonstrates Wells' ability as a songwriter capable of creating music that deserves to be heard by the masses, and then there's the closing "Until You Are Here" with its spiritual undertones and soulful longing. Like I said, it's a triumph and Tyrone Wells deserves to break big. Soul folk anyone?

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