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For a man who's been making music for twenty-odd years, it's incredible that this is Mayone's debut solo album. Judging by the sheer quality of songs, the immaculate playing and the subtle arrangements and production, he hasn't put all that experience to waste. Mayone has played guitar, mandolin and bass with the likes of Kris Delmhorst, Levon Helm and Dave Mattacks, and brings a highly-professional approach to each of the twelve songs. This is obviously his opportunity to show the world what it is missing and Mayone is quick to open up his box of tricks - whether it's bluesy guitar on I Don't Deserve You, a quick John Lennon/Gerry Rafferty homage on Deeper In The Well, with lovely backing harmonies and roots banjo, the out-and-out power pop of Other Side, or the country swing of Going Down, 'Bedroom Rockstar' is a compendium of styles and sources, more like a greatest hits compilation. That being said, there's a refreshing diversity and humour running through this album. Perhaps this might be the release to take Mayone out of the bedroom.

John Stacey
February-April 2005

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