Album Review

Tim Wheeler – Lost Domain

• 3rd Nov 2014

Lost Domain is the first solo album from Irish guitarist Tin Wheeler, best known as a founder member of Ash. The album’s subject is his musician father George’s suffering, and eventual death three years ago, from Alzheimer’s. But while this is clearly a very personal album, the dark subject matter is not reflected in its tone and there are many bright moments among the eleven tracks.

Wheeler recorded Lost Domain in Ash’s New York City studio, and played most of the instruments himself. Andy Burrows (ex Razorlight) and Fred Aspelin (Alberta Cross) handled drums, Moon Hooch’s Wenzl McGowen played saxophone and the London Metropolitan Orchestra added brass and string arrangements.

The opening instrumental Snow In Nara sets a relaxed and bluesy pace, acting as a quiet overture. End Of An Era has a similar tempo, a piano led track with delicate slow vocals. Do You Ever Think Of Me matches acoustic guitar with sweeping strings in an atmospheric song, Wheeler’s impassioned voice making this a standout track. Hospital has a very direct lyrical style, the emotions of a visit expressed in simple terms, the immediacy of the observations adding painful emphasis.

The lengthy Medicine sits at the centre of the album and thematically it sees the patient supporting the visitor as Wheeler tries to come to terms with his father’s impending death. Lyrically it is perhaps the high point of the eleven tracks, the realisation that his life has changed permanently hitting hard. Medicine comes in at over ten minutes, but never feels overlong, and that isn’t easy to achieve.

Vigil marks the final moments of George’s life, seen through his family who get through the ordeal together, their strength reflected in the upbeat track. And then First Sign of Spring marks the transition from deep sorrow to eventual healing. The pair of songs sit together to show the album’s themes of loss and recovery perfectly.

Vapour is the second instrumental track, acting as a short break before the finale. Piano led and with some nice sax work, it has a jazzy feel. Hold is another sub three minute song, the higher pitched vocals working well. The title track comes next with an uptempo feel and a positive attitude. And the closing Monsoon leaves us with some resolution as Wheeler moves on, accepting that he is now alone.

This is a very good album, both lyrically and musically. Built more around the piano, George Wheeler’s instrument, rather than Tim’s guitar, it has a gentle feel that suits the journey well. There is a clear sense of catharsis here, of a man using music to work through his own feelings. And part of the album’s proceeds will go to The Alzheimer’s Society – giving one more good reason to buy it.

Venue: Lost Domain
Support Band: Sony Red UK