Album Review: Kyle Lionhart - Too Young

The most accurate prediction one can make about Western contemporary music is that, no matter what happens, the singer-songwriter troubadour with an acoustic guitar will never go out of fashion.

Add to that description that said singer has blonde locks, lives in a rural coastal town and loves to surf, and you’ve got an accurate depiction of all manner of crooners, including Kyle Lionhart, who is currently enjoying a moment in the spotlight via the impending release of his debut record Too Young (there’s nothing wrong with this hobby or look, for the record).

Unfortunately, however, Too Young sounds like an album from someone who hasn’t made the transition from street-side busking to full-band arrangement, too many tracks taking the same, predictable, happy and sunny pop-folk route. Are We Alright, Some Things and Happy Now all sound like appropriate yet unremarkable wedding songs, with melodies and arrangements that all blend together, making them indecipherable from each other.

There are moments of interest though, with opener So Close bridging the gap between synthy pop and acoustic nicely, while album closer Too Young has some beautiful tones and vocals that build in a way that’s genuinely exciting. Mention should also go to the lovely guest vocals of Emily Reid on the tender Sorry I’m Gone, which, while slightly under-utilised, add some welcome contrast.

These moments aside, there isn’t a lot to remember from Too Young. Granted, Lionhart has an angelic voice and no doubt a knack for writing but this is background listening at best.