CD Review
Artist: Ayla Brook
Album: After the Morning After
Label: Saved By Radio / Saved By Vinyl / Outside Distribution
Release Date: June 24, 2008 

Reviewed by: Tessa Perkins (Vancouver Correspondent - Canada) 

In true prairie fashion, this singer-songwriter from Edmonton has created an album of soulful, folksy, acoustic melodies that create a very homey feeling and sound like they were recorded on the farm. Maybe that is because they were. The tracks were all recorded at Pine Ridge Farm in Lily Plain, Saskatchewan with a very natural and minimalist philosophy. Instead of drums, foot stomps and hand claps were used. Some extraneous sounds even made their way onto the album such as bird songs, creaking floorboards, and glass clinking.

Formerly of AA Sound System, Ayla went solo after his band mates went their own separate ways. He already had some songs lying around, so after writing a few new ones, an album was born. The songs all have a similar theme of love, belonging, and hopefulness. With only the sounds of Ayla and his guitar throughout most of the album, the sound is very clean, uncluttered, and stripped down of any interfering influences that may mask the naked feel of the songs.

All these gentle soulful songs are so calming and smooth that they have a sort of lulling effect. For a relaxing, dreamy feeling, put on After the Morning After, lay down, and let the music take you away. This is Ayla's first solo album, but he seems to have found his own personal sound already.

1. Wake Up Early
2. Leave Anymore
3. On Two Three
4. Sweater Song
5. Maybe I Could Be Your Man
6. Leaving Tonight
7. Worth The Drive
8. After The Morning After
9. Wonder