The Latch Key Kid – Wide Open Album Review

The Latch Key Kid, aka Gavin Heaney delivers a soulful slice of his signature songwriting and production on his forth studio album, Wide Open. This album provides a good variety of sounds and tempos to prove as a real breakthrough for Heaney. As well as the usual comparisons to Jack Johnson, this album showcases a more mature sound with hints of a rocker edge, with similarities to bands such as The Gaslight Anthem evident.

Playing the guitar, bass, piano, drums, mandolin and harmonica on his recordings Heaney is more than just a pretty face, which he has as well as his bounty of musical talent. His meaningful, warm and inviting lyrics are the perfect complement to his beautifully peformed music.

The album sets out to take the listener around the world to the places Heaney has travelled. It does what it has set out to do and from the Shore of Oahu to the beaches of California and Australia, Wide Open is a perfect soundtrack to make you forget the dreary wintery months and bring a little summer back into your life.

Different genres evidently influenced this albums sound from Acoustic to 80’s dance music, and the result instantly engages you on its musical journey. From the first and title track, the music sways you comfortably form side to side like a hammock on a peaceful beach. Unlike some of his comparisons there is enough variety in his sound to keep you entertained throughout the album. The third track This Kind of Love ups the tempo and shows that he can create more than just the surfer vibe with his tunes. Throughout the six tracks there is enough variety to keep you happy without straying from his musical roots.


Heaney has already had major accomplishments in his career, notably with his ability to unlock the doors of Hollywood and license his music in film, television and advertising. His songs have appeared on many successful films including The Invention of Lying (2009) and I Love You, Man (2009). Latch Key Kid’s songs have also appeared in numerous advertisements in the States and on a plethora of popular shows such as The Hills and Scrubs. Wide Open demonstrates his undoubted skill at creating easy listening, likeable, and relevant music.

He has also toured and performed with impressive acts such as Jack Johnson and Sublime. So if you need something to warm up your musical tastes then go download Wide Open from iTunes now and let the Latch Key Kid give you a relaxing, refreshing and sunny musical experience.

http://www.latchkeykid.org/

- Jane Pople

MusicVita: The Online Music Club!