Butch Walker

Kelly Murray

Sycamore Meadows

Released October 5^th On Power Ballard Records

You might not know Butch Walker's face, but you've definitely heard some of his songs already. The US singer/songwriter has penned and produced hits for the likes of Pink, Fall Out Boy, Hot Hot Heat, Bowling For Soup and Tommy Lee to name a few but with 'Sycamore Meadows', his forth solo album, the tattooed man of many a pop hook is finally getting noticed in Blighty.

Despite his passion and ability to create a good mainstream hit, there's something ultimately rock n' roll about Walker, not 'cos he's inked like a biker or savvy like an insider rebel, but because he unapologetically creates music on his own terms, and now, does so on his own label. He's mates with some of the world's biggest rockstars and he has an undeniable urge to write pop music. Nothing wring with that.

Literally speaking, Walker is rising from the ashes with this record; it's named after the street his house was on... before it burnt to the ground in some raging California wildfires, and left him with nothing. It's not quite clear why Walker isn't massive stateside, his country-tinged rock being perfect for the US airwaves. 'The Weight Of Her' for example could easily fit the norm over there. On 'Going Back/Going Home', catharsis flows throughout: "This bandana is surely gonna fade?/Even though it's the only thing the fire didn't take" and at first listen, the track is clean cut, until Walker narrates stories of sex, drugs and struggles with the music industry showing that his actual experiences in life run deeper than a catchy chorus would have you believe.

'Here Comes The...' showcases guest vocals from Pink, and is the saddest of break-up songs and 'Ships In a Bottle' will also have your tear ducts causing streaky faces if it catches you at the right (or wrong) moment. "I don't wanna smell the bed where you used to sleep, and miss it again' declares Walker. Oh crap, grab the Kleenex and a tub of ice cream - just this once though. Just as you thought he'd turned you totally soft, 'Vessels' brings back a cabaret feel you're strong enough to mock. After all, it's better, where possible, to have a good giggle at soppy men rather than let them drag you down to their heart shattering level.

'Sycamore Meadows' is a definite teary affair, a record which will relate to everyone who's ever been in love and felt the, ahem, burn. Yet despite his this album no doubt gaining new fans for the Georgia rocker, on our side of the Atlantic, it doesn't hold its own in terms of sounding fresh and modern.