Tim Wheeler: Lost Domain

A concept album chronicling your father's battle with (and subsequent death from) Alzheimer's Disease sounds like heavy going, but Tim Wheeler deals with the subject matter in a remarkably candid manner that is refreshing, moving and even uplifting in places. There's no room for allusion or metaphor with the Ash frontman's lyrics: Hospital and Vigil are lump-in-throat tender, while Medicine imagines his father's decline from his own perspective. Those expecting histrionic guitars on the Ash frontman's solo debut might be surprised to learn that this is a sumptuous, largely orchestral affair, deftly incorporating piano balladry (Hold), experimental electronic undertones (Medicine) and even jazzy instrumentals (Vapour). The title track's pop bounce is probably the most Ash-like in nature, but conversely, it's the music that takes a back seat to Wheeler's touching narrative. timwheeler.com