Xan Tyler - Into The Blue

I just woke up this morning in that writing sort of mood, which meant that I went through the ordinary process of firing up my laptop, finding a comfortable spot in my homey home, and getting my fingers fired up for a bit of hardcore key pressing. What I was not expecting was a very calming and organic piece of work to hit my ears when I sat down and shut out the world with my earphones. Let's welcome the soothing sound of British singer Xan Tyler to the site with open arms and a bit of love.

Active since 1991 in South London, Xan has had quite a prolific experience in the music industry. While Creation Records was still active, Xan signed to Alan McGee's label alongside fellow musician Kate Holmes under the moniker of the synth pop Technique. Being successful enough, she had a collaboration with Guranese dub music mastermind Mad Professor forming Mission Control.

Only releasing one album titled Dub Showcase, it still managed to rock critics and fans alike, and even featured Jamaican reggae icon Lee "Scratch" Perry's vocal contribution on the track The Last Trumpet. A European tour shortly followed in 2000.

After also having another breakthrough with the release of Sun is Shining under Technique, which garnered more positive reception, it led her to work with DJ Matt Darey, adding her vocals to his track Wanna be an Angel in 2004, as well as with electronic/dance music producer Timo Maas to release Island in 2001.

After releasing two more records via Platipus, as well as several other projects that she worked on, including working with trance Neo & Farina to release The Key in 2004, producing tracks with The Joys of Sound, and taking over the live lead vocals with Client, it was finally in 2013 that Xan decided it was time to work on a solo EP.

Coordinating with London-based producer Stuart Crossland, it was last year that Into The Blue was announced. And, rightly so, it has finally been unleashed.

With her solo EP, she has crafted an electronic and acoustic album that's able to greatly bring out her vocal mastering within a span of six tracks. The intro track that shares the title with the album is testimony to that last phrase; her chords shine brightly and the piano work infused serves as a slight breeze blowing this beauty in the right direction. With a slight effect on her voice, which makes it sound dreamy, the track was gorgeous.

Throughout the EP, which spans six tracks and about twenty four minutes, you can expect her lovely voice simply alluring you into comfort, while the slight electronic atmosphere quietly works diligent magic around the rest of the sounds.

Not only that, but the EP is sort of split right down the middle; while the first half really homes in on acoustic sounds, the latter half offers a more pop-oriented atmosphere; not anything hard hitting at all, but still soothing and serene. While I was impressed with the first three tracks, the final three Stop The Clock, If, and This Room boast even better results.

Working in the industry for a good twenty years has led Xan to garner many delightful experiences, and also the grace to perform extremely well on her own. While I do think the final three songs on the album were more powerful than the first half, I admire the evolution that takes place in the album; transforming from pure acoustic material, to ambient backed acoustic, straight into tranquil pop territory is no easy task, but she pulled it off with elegance and finesse.

This album has made my morning blissful, and I'm sure it will serve well as a meditative device later on in my years of living to be had. I've dived deep into the blue, and I don't think I want out. Dec 18 2014