Debut from singer-songwriter.
The debut album from singer-songwriter Yoriyos is a rather low key affair, with no background information included on the press release, and only a black and white photograph to accompany it. A little independent research reveals that Yoriyos is the son of Cat Stevens/Yusuf Islam, suggesting that Yoriyos wants to avoid gaining success as a result of his father's fame.
Opening with 'Endoscopises', the soft acoustics are supported by thoughtful vocals and the accompaniment of brass instruments, all woven into the song in a subtle fashion. 'Nomads Dream' is a more distinctive and memorable song with its questioning chorus and the guitar riff which develops towards the climax.
Yoriyos, like all burgeoning solo artists has been compared to big guns such as Donovan and the big Bobby D. However both the promise and the simple folk on display here does make the comparisons warranted rather than clichéd. I do not use the word simple disparagingly; rather the simplicity of the structure reveals the vulnerable interior of each song. With subjects such as 'Querido Che' based on the motorcycle diaries of Che Guevara's friend Alberto Granada, and 'Wounded Knee' named after the Native American burial ground, it's easy to see that Yoriyos is trying to produce songs with weight.
Generally this is a strong album and one which makes all the right choices, there is enough variety in the choice of instruments and tempos to ensure the album never tires, without jeopardising the continuity of the album or making its landscape too busy. Songs like 'Hurricane John' and the delicately sweet 'Run Dry' excel and show real maturity and depth. Others are slightly less memorable but overall this is an excellent album worthy of comparison to some real greats, but succeeds on its own charms rather than merely borrowing the tried and tested methods of others. A mature and thoughtful work with a beautiful title full of heartfelt sentiments.