alan tyler

el tapado

Hanky Panky 7/10 Rockingbirds singer synthesises solid country gold

Alan Tyler, probably best known as frontman of The Rockingbirds, is a long-established pillar of London’s alt.country scene. In that context, “El Tapado” represents a minor departure from and/or confrontation of expectations: it was written and recorded on a synthesiser. However, El Tapado is still very recognisably Tyler, a thing of breezy choruses, soaring harmonies and genial ruefulness. The electronic influence, while providing an intriguing counterpoint, never overwhelms Tyler’s acute and astute Americana instincts. “I Don’t Dream”, “To Be One Of The Boys” and “My Heart Was Always Wrong” are especially noteworthy additions to a still scandalously undervalued catalogue.