Dylan John Thomas possesses a gift for writing indie-folk songs which elevate challenging emotions into joyously optimistic anthems. It’s a skill that has made him one of
Scotland’s most hotly tipped talents and in-demand live performers. His final tour of
2023 sold
9000 tickets in
Scotland in a few hours and packed venues across
England too, he inspired rapturous receptions: beers in the air, fans singing along on each other’s shoulders and the joyfully carefree bounce of the mosh pit. Every show inspired superlatives:
“an incredible experience from start to finish“ (
Clash),
“a tempest of impeccable brilliance”(
When The Horn Blows) and an
“emotional rollercoaster” (
Bring The Noise).
Today, Dylan releases his debut album, which has already received praise from MOJO (4 stars) and The Sun – Something For The Weekend (4 stars). Featuring fan favourites including ‘Jenna’, ‘Fever’, ‘Yesterday Is Gone’, ‘What I Need’, ‘Up In The Air’ and ‘Rich Boy’ – Dylan’s debut album already feels like a collection of hit tracks. Yet it also introduces a wealth of new material, his immensely relatable and charismatic songwriting growing with a wider palette of sounds and imaginative nuances. The songs unlock something previously undiscovered in his artistic style, as demonstrated by the likes of the piano and string-swept ballad and current single ‘What I Need’, and the bouncy, jangly-pop of ‘Melancholy’s Cure’. The album closes with a remarkable live version of ‘Wake Up Ma’ from Barrowland Ballroom, which not only pulsates with the bustling atmosphere of his shows, but its raw verses provide harrowing snapshots of his early life. What’s remarkable about listening to Dylan’s debut album is just how much life experience resonates throughout the collection, capturing snapshots of his remarkable life story.
Dylan says, “Debut album, feels mental saying that. Been some buzz recording it down in Liverpool over the last year. From writing tunes in my bedroom growing up and busking in Glesga, the dream was to record an album and tour it around the country. Cheers for making that happen”.
Every song on the album was written solely by Dylan, and co-produced by Rich Turvey (Blossoms, Courteeners) and Dylan himself. Chris Marshall (Gerry Cinnamon) co-produced ‘When I Get Home’. The record is available HERE, with his official store offering signed white or black vinyl, a CD and a signed lyric sheet. Assai also offer their own exclusive signed edition, a turquoise vinyl.
Dylan’s profile has flourished and grown in scale with the release of two acclaimed EPs, sold out headline tours, where he can pack multiple nights at the Glasgow Barrowland; festivals from Reading and Leeds to Glastonbury and TRNSMT; plus high profile live dates with Liam Gallagher and Sam Fender. Further put in the spotlight with support from Radio 1, BBC Introducing, 6 Music and Radio X, Dylan also won Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the Scottish Music Awards in 2022.
Dylan embarked upon a run of intimate sold-out album launch shows this week. Forthcoming live dates include
festival appearances at this summer’s TRNSMT main stage and Tramlines Festival, with more to be announced soon.
Album tracklist:
