For "wet on wet": "Bounding out of the East, Jon Epworth cuts a mean path with this assured disc that has many outstanding moments of rock. It is fun, expertly done and inspires hapless joy in its handclaps and choruses, like on "The Body", and even blows the speakers as on the spectacular closer, "Gone". All of the above seems somewhat needless when this album could be encapsulated in two, albeit cliche, words: it rocks." "...a stellar sophomore solo effort.. musically and production-wise it's extremely attractive for the listener, but Epworth likes to make his audience work for it. His lyrics can be harshly descriptive and he doesn't hesitate to throw in unconventional elements, ones that ultimately make the song much more satisfying... Epworth sounds fully in command on the album. There are some heavy Elvis Costello influences, strong songwriting, and fantastic production." "Epworth can drive hooks that stay with you for days...The attitude that comes through in Epworth's voice through the latter track shows a singer who's in charge of his vocal strength, but more importantly, comfortable in delivering his message...And have you seen [Jon Epworth & the Improvements] perform live? If you have and this isn't on your shelf at home, don't bother talking to me next time we're out. You should know better." "HRM's unsung pawn-shop guitar hero is back with a fistful of raw, raunchy rock'n'roll riffs that will satisfy both new listeners and old fans alike. Great production by Laurence Currie captures the fury and power of "fifteen minutes of fame, twenty-nine years of anguish". The Improvements get it done right, helping Epworth make the jump from angst to anger and establishing him as one to watch in the coming months." For "MM/DD/YY": "This is a fucking great album. On his debut solo CD, Jon Epworth turns in an album showing huge ability both as a pop songsmith and a talented performer. This is one of the few albums that has managed to both capitalize on the Halifax sound while still sounding vibrant and new" Awards and Nominations 2007 ECMA nomination; “alternative album of the year” for “Wet on Wet” |