Music Review: Aqualung

Memory Man is the third full-length album and second U.S. album release for British singer/songwriter Matt Hales, better known as Aqualung. Although this record takes a small step forward from the mesmerizing simplicity of his previous success (with breakthrough hit "Brighter than Sunshine"), Hales doesn't quite live up to his own ambition.

It is clear from the very first track that Aqualung has largely traded in his loose and laid-back ambiance for something more energetic and busy. Not only has he incorporated faster beats in many of the songs, but this album is noticeably more guitar-heavy, especially with the sprinkling of distinctly un-atmospheric electric guitar riffs.

In a few of the tracks, such as the dolefully beautiful "Vapour Trail," these additions are layered on top of his delicate and basic instrumental melodies, and they work. They add a refreshing twist to the sound that made his previous album a success. However, these tracks are few and far between. Even songs such as "The Lake," which harkens back to Aqualung's simplistic sound, have lost their glimmer of beauty and just seem like failed, lethargic and moody attempts at something pretty. While Aqualung admirably attempts something new with Memory Man, the record's fragmented meanderings fall short in the end.