Kyle Britton – Debut EP ‘Riddle’
Folk is one of my most favourite genres. Over the years it has branched off into Acoustic, Rock, Country and Americana and has influenced some of the biggest names in the industry. Kyle is an artist who showcases these styles of music as they are his influences and he uses them wisely here on his debut EP. He has great control of his vocal range and style and is a passionate lyricist and storyteller.
In the lyrics and from the arrangements you can hear Kyle’s experiences of the subject matter of each song but also in his vocals. They are deep and intense. The first three tracks ‘Villian’, ‘Riddle’ and ‘Firewalker’ make a big impact and his performances are strong. He is very honest and straight to the point about what he’s singing about. ‘Sleepover’ has a great commercial and contemporary vibe. It’s a sincere, positive, chilled and cheeky number, my favourite of the five tracks. The last song ‘Shade of Grey’ brings the country-rock feel with a slice of steel guitar warming it up. Kyle is really showing us what he can do and how serious he is about doing it. He possesses the poetry and the drama and is keeping folk alive as a credible melody maker.
Below is a bio of Kyle as per his representation:
“Inspired by the quiet musings of troublesome love and the path to understanding, the emotionally evocative music of indie-folk singer-songwriter, Kyle Britton, epitomizes storytelling in its truest fashion. Britton’s distinctive sound combines undeniable dark undertones with roving melodies and atmospheric refrains, offering a unique experience for his listeners.
“Riddle”, the first of two singles, is a song detailing the demise of a poisonous love affair and the enduring pain that follows. “Never able to accept love again, every man who she came across from then on was in for a world of pain and heartbreak”, confides Britton. As the song builds, the Belle Epoque-inspired strings render the listener to a melodic montage.
On “Villain”, Britton successfully demonstrates diversity as both a lyricist and performer. The dramatic self-confession, encapsulates its audience through the use of defiance against typical folk arrangements, opening us up to our ‘villainous’ side.
Britton enlisted help from Los Angeles’ most seasoned musicians including Kyle Crane on Drums (Daniel Lanois, Elle King) and renowned violist, Ginny Luke (Rihanna, Dave Matthews Band). Famed engineer, Darryl Swann (Macy Gray), made sure to highlight Britton’s warm and natural vocals.
Perhaps it was growing up in a military family which led to Britton’s desire for non-conformity and individuality. Britton expressed on his father’s influence “I grew up with my dad telling me that if music is not evoking an emotional response it’s not doing its job.” The EP is a demonstration of Britton’s continuous hard work towards his childhood dream. His natural dedication has led him from ‘fake-playing’ his 7-year-old rendition of Def Leppard’s ‘Pour some sugar on me’ to creating an EP that actively analyzes his decisions in life, whilst convincing us to do the same.
‘Riddle’ is now on release worldwide.”