ALBUM REVIEW By SAM SCARPELLI
2015 OCTOBER 7
Anyone who is a fan of classic rock and done their research has probably
stumbled across the obscure greatness of the band Felt. With scorching guitar
work and passionate vocals, songwriter Mychael John Thomas has been delivering
the goods for over 40 years now. A charming quality that is both familiar and
unique pervades his music, which ranges from heart wrenching ballads to gut
punching rock. With the honesty of an independent artist and the
professionalism of a mainstream musician, his music simply deserves to be
heard.
It only took one listen for me to become an instant fan of the first Felt
album, and I soon began searching for anything else related to it. Fans of the
band can rejoice in discovering other Mychael albums, including his solo works “Alone”
and “Neon Dreams” which both have a familiar rock edge to them. Coming full
circle after forty years, Felt released their official second album “Psychedelic Memoirs” to the acclaim of fans excited for the unexpected return of the
band in full form.
Over the years Mychael has also recorded and released a handful of solo
albums centered around themes of religion, spirituality and humanity. The music
is both nostalgic and progressive, blurring the lines between heavy rock and
heavenly praise. After listening you can’t help but feel sure that if there is
a God he must have a guitar in his hand!
His newest album “Schematic For A Schizo” is a fresh mix of everything that
has come before with a strong combination of distorted riffs, shredding guitars
and philosophical lyrics. Sentimental acoustic melodies and vocal harmonies
create a warmth that is inviting, with catchy choruses and solid pop
sensibilities throughout. An authentic mix of retro charm and timeless passion
grabs your attention from beginning to end. There is doom enough to keep you on
the edge of your seat with uplifting messages that keep you from falling. The
album lives up to its name, offering a multitude of musical styles and
spiritual messages in a nearly schizophrenic style.
Listen to this album
and many more on
his Bandcamp page!
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All instruments by MYCHAEL JOHN THOMAS Additional vocals by PAULA DANIEL |
01 Secret 02 Run All Night 03 Open 04 Abandonment 05 Flip Of A Coin 06 All Out War 07 Symbiosis 08 New Face 09 Sunshine And Laughter |