First Mate is the most recent music project of Shrewsbury, UK-based singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Vin Whyte. He recently released his self-titled album First Mate which contains eight songs. The album was recorded, mixed and produced over four days in a disused office unit. I loved the range of topics on this release. He explains “the collection of eight songs present a variety of stories about murderers on the run in North Wales, austerity, memory loss, career choices, the notion of land ownership, a fortune teller, a psychopathic farmhand’s daughter and the ghost of a lighthouse keeper dodging flying golf balls.”
He opens with “Bad Hand” which is a seven-plus-minute song that I found to be a very good balance between hope and melancholy. It reminded me of the way I sometimes I feel when I listen to Simon & Garfunkel. The song revolves around clear guitar, a drum beat and exceptional vocals. Towards the end a bass is added to the song but there aren’t too many changes in melody or tone. “Meet Me In Dwygyfylchi” is a gorgeous song. There is a traditional folk vibe here from the guitar patterns to what sounds like a wooden flute. The lyrics are quite dark. I didn’t even notice until my second listen that it was about a murder. He has more success with “No More Time To Spend'' and David Bowie actually came to mind on this song - something about his vocal inflection. He is strumming this song and giving it the most rock oriented vibe. “Old Head At Kinsale” is a festive and fast paced song that calls for a traditional dance while “Seer, Are You There?” is perhaps the most melancholy and pensive song on the album. “The Diary Remembers The Day” is thoughtful and nostalgic and you could actually say the same thing about “Tenderfoot” which is about aging. He closes with “Faye Fariday” which is short and sounds introspective but it is about a beheading. I actually found it delightful and funny despite the rather morbid topic. My only critique is I wanted better recording quality on some of the songs. I really enjoyed this album. I felt like I was working at a lighthouse on a beautiful green pasture. That was the image I had in my mind most of the time. There were a couple of sheep I was looking after as well. Well there you have it. That’s a first. Take a listen.
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