Ashley Naylor is simply a guitar god. Not only is he at the helm of the super jangle pop gods Even, a feature player in the Rockwiz Orchestra on the Rockwiz program on SBS TV (seemingly able to turn his hand to reproduce any guitar riff imaginable, note for note) but now is an integral part of the legends The Church with songwriting credits. And you can add to that appearances with Paul Kelly, The Stems, The Ronson Hangup: you get the message, the list goes on. He probably knows more than three chords which always impresses me.
After releasing an instrumental album back in 2023, Naylor is back with news of a new album entitled ‘Alexandria Sunset’ complete with vocals and a single ‘As Good As Gold’ to set the wheels in motion. The album will be released on Naylor’s own El Reno Music label on Friday, 6 September. Naylor says of his solo work:
I’ve been working on three separate albums in recent years. This one finished itself first once I committed to the idea that it would consist of songs I recorded all the parts for on my own. Much of what I do is in a collaborative environment; this album is a deliberate move into a very singular musical world I’ve created. These songs were recorded in spare quiet moments which informed the intimacy of much of the material
As first cab off the rank, ‘Good As Gold’ is an electronic experimental extravaganza filled with samples and computer blips. Only joking. It is what you expect from such a master of guitars and songwriting given his genetic coding. It is a track filled with pure jingle jangle guitar pop that shines and shimmers with a luminescent warmth.
Naylor doesn’t hide his love for sixties pop – think The Byrds and The Beatles – as well as classic sounds of R.E.M. or Teenage Fanclub. Naylor candidly admits:
I’m an indie artist hung up on classic rock
There are delicious layered harmonies and soaring choruses delivered over rippling guitars:
This is pure shimmering power pop that sparkles like the sun on water. Out now and available on the usual download and streaming sites and through the link above, ‘Good As Gold’ will be on the new album ‘Alexandria Sunset’. Naylor says:
This album is an unfettered foray into my own rock fantasy, where guitar solos are long, songs take detours, and the audience would just sit and listen to the music. I believe the true essence of this album will reveal itself over time
You can pre-order the album through the link below with vinyl options:
Feature Photograph: Darren Middleton
