Ryan Powers Boyle
Ryan Powers Boyle
Far and Away Records

Ryan Powers Boyle has an intriguing, layered sound on this debut, and he writes complex and strong songs. "The Cell" is a strummed, quiet moment with a gorgeous vocal to boot. He has a slight vocal resemblance to the late Elliott Smith here, and that works well. A cover of "Chapel of Love" is included, and gets a stripped-down anguished take that fits right in with the rest of the album. "I Can See" is a very dark song, with an underlying menace that Boyle delivers well. There's a faint shimmer of hope and that seems intentional.

"Through This Life" is a dramatic song that he really gets to the heart of and delivers with gusto. He stands out from other singer/songwriters by having a powerful presence.

Copyright © 2011 Anna Maria Stjärnell