Artist: Neil Leyton 
   Title: The Betrayal Of The Self
   Label: Fading Ways Music

After hearing Neil’s 'Dead Fashion Brigade' EP earlier this year I was looking forward to this release.  'The Betrayal Of The Self' is Neil’s third solo album, but the first full release on his own Fading Ways label.

Supporting Neil on this album is his Swedish backing band The Ghosts, as well as guest appearances by Dregen of the Backyard Babies, Nicke Andersson of the Hellacopters, as well as various members of the Diamond Dogs.

With this album Leyton has laid down his political beliefs for all the world to see, and is proud of his beliefs and militant side that he brings forward in his music and lyrics, much as Dylan did in the late 60’s and early 70’s, and it certainly didn’t do his career any harm.

Although the Dylan reference is relevant, Leyton hasn’t gone for the 60’s sound with this album, he fits right in today’s musical spectrum and with his early Jagger style vocals, he is sure to build up quite a following if given the right breaks on the right radio stations and music TV stations.

The album is full of infectious grooves that even if you don’t agree with Leyton’s philosophies, you will enjoy the music.  Tracks of note are ‘Automatically’, a song that highlights those Jagger vocals perfectly.  The indie pop ‘Hyperventilating’, the ballad ‘Done This One Before’, with guest vocals from Sulo of the Diamond Dogs, and the punk feel of ‘Adopt –a-Terrorist'.

If you liked what the Stones did in their early days and are a looking for a similar sound, but with a modern twist, then check out Neil Leyton and you’ll find what your looking for.

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