We first became fans of Matt Owen’s solo work when we saw him in Bath as part of the 7 Hills Festival. Such a fantastic set up of really great artists, Matt and The Delusional Vanity Project were a treat to see in such a small and wonderful venue.

Last week, Matt Owens and The Delusional Vanity Project released their album Way Out West. The album is an albums album that should appeal to fans of various genres such as Rock, Country, Folk, Americana and beyond. It’s just good music – that great, timeless sounding album where you don’t skip a single track and just simply enjoy every minute of it!

When an album takes a real effort into every last little detail in an album it stands out! That’s what Way Out West does – it makes the listener hear every note, every word and every vocal, every harmony.

One for The Grapes is a great start. Taking me back to the 90’s in a way to those epic albums such as Vitalogy by Pearl Jam – whilst Way Out West isn’t exactly similar to the album, it has a similar impact from the intro which really reels you in. It’s that magnificent use of instruments, that hook half way through, that subtle guitar riff that could easily be glossed over to a non obsessive music fan – it’s that harmonica (which I believe is played by the brilliant Robert Vincent), that guitar solo – all of it is important to the track and makes it what it is.

Moving on straight to the somewhat 80’s rock sounding Glasgow City Lights, this is a masterful track! A song for fans of Kip Moore’s Wild Ones album, this song is just so delightfully anthemic. I can imagine it being performed in a stadium to hardcore fans singing every word back.

Recently released single 5 Years Into Marriage with the stunning vocals of Hannah White leans in to a more country music sound. A gorgeous duet, the song may speak of the difficulties and strain of marriage but their blended vocals seem like the perfect marriage. If this is your introduction to Hannah White then please don’t let it stop there. White is a phenomenal artist who deserves much attention.

You’re Not Gone is a very emotive track that shows off the passion and believability in Owens’ vocals. A more chilled out song, it has such a sweet melody.

I love a good instrumental and the instrumental intro to Blindsided By Time is sublime! I can feel the music! I can feel the atmosphere it projects which takes me to an outdoor festival setting just as the sun is going down. It’s the blues-rock riffs like listening to a Clapton record that gives me those chills that make you fall in love with a song for the first time. Live, this song will be outstanding. The outro is just as epic as the intro if not more as the fade out is longer.

Morning Light is very cleverly written as the melody, the instruments used do sound just like Morning. The light, delicate way the melody is played is stunning and very folk driven. It’s a sweet yet melancholic song but so very beautiful.

Back to a more upbeat sound with Both Sides of The Line, the track has a strong roots rock vibe to it, something Matt Owens and The Delusional Vanity Project excel in.

The Bard of The Bars is a fun and engaging song that has wonderful storytelling lyrics. It has an addictive beat and happy piano riff.

Hope The Darkness Pulls You Through is another country/Americana infused track with powerful use of instruments throughout.

Things get heavier for Death, Sickness and Heartache. The sounds of the electric guitar are infectious and the song overall gives off that toe-tappin’ beat. Another track that would be insane in a live setting.

Closing with Twickenham Station, we say goodbye to what has been a superb album! But guess what? We can start all over again! Twickenham Station is a great close to this album – it has such a lovely melody to it. A sleepy, yet happy, sunny melody, it is simply just a gorgeous song about Owen’s youth and start to the world as a musician. The harmonica in this song is sporadic but sensational.

A blend of so many wonderful genres that span across so many decades of styles, covering many topics from divorce to death to aging and more – Way Out West is thoroughly enjoyable and brilliantly crafted. The entire team behind this project are just on top form and all masters of their craft. Jimmy Besley, Duncan Kingston, James Jack, Geoffrey Widdowson, Jim Godfrey, Rhodes, Camilla Skye, Eddie Johns, Robert Vincent, Hannah White, Kieron Marshall and of course Matt Owens all deserve a massive shout out!

Way Out West, I believe, is the name of the guitar store (down the road from Twickenham Station) where Owens’ bought his first electric guitar. It shows the great attention to detail in the track listing that the album is titled Way Out West and closes with a song called Twickenham Station.

Why albums like this aren’t at the very core of top charting albums is beyond me! I certainly miss those days when rock infused albums, decent ones were at the height of popularity. Matt Owens and the Delusional Vanity Project should be high up on the billing of festivals and we really hope that happens soon!