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Dyllan Young The Spin You're In Collision Records

      But upon looking into the album, I set my likings aside, of course, and still enjoyed it. Young's latest release, The Spin You're In (Collision Records, 2005) is a follow-up to 2002's Music For Driving. It begins with "California," with gentle guitars and simple drums, which pose as a slight backdrop to highlight Young's vocals more. His mature voice, along with that notable sneer, are the basis upon which the music builds upon.

      In "Lament," the music takes on a storytelling role, knowing when to increase tempo and when to taper off, all at the precise times. Young's vocals are actually indescribable; he maintains such an emotion in his voice, it seems, without knowing it, but this provides more depth to the song itself.

      "Blame It On Me" contains the stronghold of Placebo, and how ironic it is that two entirely different bands somehow contain these similarities, as Placebo is gothic electronica, and Young is more of an alternative rock artist. But somehow the two have met within Spin, as Young channels them, unknowingly. With this track, there's some "Commerical For Levi," or at least, a great deal of shackled Black Market Music -- even a tinge of Placebo's earliest work.

      The spotlight tracks of the album are "Halle" -- Spin's catchy, upbeat mover-and-shaker tune -- and "Break," a Vines-y, sexy song, especially with lyrics like: "Tell me/do you like it rough?/Tell me/have you had enough?/I know/you talk so tough/Pretty thing/do you feel filled up?"

      Towards the tail-end of the album songs become slower, lyrics become longer. There seem to be a few times where some of the tracks start to sound a little similar, but it also may be due to slow songs being placed back-to-back.

      Young is joined by a number of others, including Michael Wilkes (lead guitar), Dan Call (bass), Derek Murph (drums), Greg Lee (bass) and John Maupin (additional vocals). Also included are Shawn Grove, Cheney Brannon and Marcus Petrooska, providing additional bass, vocals and percussion.

      This is the result of a young man who has listened to quite a range of music, from rock culture classics AC/DC to country contemporary John Denver. The work of someone who has played the guitar since the age of seven, and even played in a heavy metal band.

      And then a near-death experience brought forth the idea of seriously persuing becoming a musician. A relocation to Atlanta, small gigs at local coffee shops and an answer to an ad placement ultimately brought him to where he is now.

      This record is a journey, a collaboration of thoughts. Within Spin is a happy medium; a combination of rock riffs, tender tones and poetic lyrics. And with a voice as unique as Young's, it's worth hearing.

-Arie Musil 08/20/05