Tyketto – ‘Closer To The Sun’

(Silver Lining Music)

There’s something reassuring about a new Tyketto record. In a world where trends come and go like cheap seasonal fashions, this band has always stood for something far more enduring: melody, heart, and that intangible lift you only get from truly great feel-good rock. Closer To The Sun doesn’t just continue that tradition, it wraps it in sunshine, cranks the volume, and reminds you exactly why you fell in love with this kind of music in the first place.

From the outset, the album radiates warmth. Not in a soft, watered-down way, but in that big, open-hearted, windows-down, sky-on-fire sense that melodic rock does better than anyone when it’s done right. The guitars shimmer with clarity and purpose, the rhythms pulse with an easy confidence, and everything feels geared toward one goal: making you feel better than you did before you pressed play.

And at the centre of it all is Danny Vaughn who is magnificent as always. Some vocalists sing songs; Vaughn lives them. His voice has that rare ability to carry both strength and vulnerability at the same time. One moment he’s soaring with power, the next he’s pulling you in with something more intimate and reflective. It’s an emotive style that hits hard without ever feeling forced, and it leaves a lasting impression long after the album has finished.

There’s a sincerity in his delivery that’s impossible to fake. You believe every word, every note, every rise and fall. It’s passionate, it’s powerful, and it’s deeply human. For longtime fans, it’s that familiar magic you keep coming back for. For anyone new, it’s a masterclass in what a great rock vocalist should sound like.

Musically, Closer To The Sun sits comfortably in that sweet spot between classic melodic rock and a slightly more modern, polished edge. The production is clean without being sterile, allowing the band’s natural energy to shine through. Guitars ring out with just the right balance of bite and melody, the rhythm section locks everything down with precision, and the overall sound feels cohesive without ever becoming predictable.

What really stands out, though, is the album’s emotional tone. This is unapologetically uplifting music. In an era where so much leans toward the dark or the cynical, there’s something almost rebellious about an album that simply wants to make you feel good. And it succeeds – spectacularly!

These songs are like an anti-depressant in musical form. They don’t ignore life’s struggles, but they meet them with optimism, resilience, and a sense of forward motion. There’s a brightness here that never tips into cheesiness, a positivity that feels earned rather than manufactured. It’s the kind of record that can genuinely shift your mood, that can turn a grey day into something a little more colourful.

The songwriting plays a huge role in that. There’s a strong sense of purpose running through the album, with melodies that stick and choruses that invite you in rather than bludgeon you over the head. It’s all about connection, between the band and the listener, between the music and the emotion it’s trying to convey.

Another strength lies in the pacing. The album flows effortlessly, balancing its more energetic moments with those that allow you to catch your breath without ever losing momentum. It feels like a journey rather than a collection of tracks, building and releasing tension in a way that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

There’s also a sense of maturity here. This isn’t a band trying to relive past glories or chase old formulas. Instead, they’re embracing what they do best and refining it. The result is an album that feels both classic and current, rooted in tradition but not stuck in it.

And that’s the key to Closer To The Sun. It understands exactly what it is and more importantly, what it should be. This is melodic rock done with conviction, skill, and heart. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel; it just makes sure that wheel spins as smoothly and as joyfully as possible.

‘Higher Than High’ kicks things off with pure uplift and energy. Big melodic hooks, soaring guitars, and Danny Vaughn immediately setting the tone with a passionate, confident vocal. It’s the kind of opener that grabs you and refuses to let go.

‘Starts With A Feeling’ leans into that emotional core Tyketto do so well. There’s a warmth here, a sense of optimism bubbling under the surface, with Vaughn delivering a heartfelt performance that pulls you right in.

‘Bad For Good’ sees a little more edge creep in, adding bite to the album’s glossy melodic sheen. The groove is infectious, and the vocal carries a playful swagger without losing that trademark sincerity.

‘We Rise’ is an anthem in every sense. Uplifting, bold, and built around a message of resilience. The chorus lifts skyward, and Vaughn absolutely soars, making this one of those fist-in-the-air moments.

‘Donnowhuddidis’ injects a touch of fun and looseness into the mix. It’s got a slightly cheeky vibe, with a rhythm that bounces along effortlessly. A reminder that feel-good rock doesn’t always have to take itself too seriously.

‘Closer To The Sun’ captures the album’s spirit perfectly. Bright, hopeful, and driven by a glowing melodic core. Everything here feels aligned, music, message, and vocal performance all working in harmony.

‘Harley’s and Indians (Riders In The Sky)’ – A sense of freedom runs through this one. You can almost feel the open road and wide horizons. There’s a cinematic quality, with strong imagery carried by Vaughn’s evocative delivery.

‘Hit Me Where It Hurts’ dials up the emotional intensity. There’s a rawness beneath the polished surface, and Vaughn taps into that vulnerability beautifully. It hits hard without ever losing its melodic appeal.

‘The Picture’ is more reflective in tone, offering a moment to breathe. The arrangement allows the vocal to shine, and Vaughn delivers one of his most emotive performances on the album.

‘Far and Away’ is expansive and atmospheric, this track builds gradually, creating a sense of movement and escape. The melodies linger, and the overall feel is both uplifting and slightly wistful.

‘The Brave’ is a fitting closer that ties everything together. Strong, inspiring, and full of heart. It leaves you with that lingering sense of positivity that defines the entire album – uplifted, energised, and smiling.

By the time you reach the end, there’s a lingering sense of uplift that’s hard to shake. It’s the musical equivalent of stepping out into sunlight after being indoors too long. You feel lighter, a little more hopeful, maybe even a bit energised.

In short, Closer To The Sun delivers exactly what you want from Tyketto and then some. It’s warm, it’s vibrant, and it’s packed with the kind of emotional resonance that only comes from a band that truly believes in what they’re doing. Add Danny Vaughn’s outstanding vocal performance into the mix, and you’ve got an album that doesn’t just sound good, it feels good!

And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

9/10

Essential Track – ‘Starts With A Feeling’

Review by Woody