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Tu-kay & Ryan Artist:Tu-kay & Ryan
Album: Companion
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 12
Website: https://tukayandryan.co.uk/

It's been a while coming but the debut album from Ash Tu-kay and Rebecca Ryan, aptly named 'Companion' is finally here. However, they haven't been resting on their laurels, they have been gigging relentlessly for the last few years, honing their craft, writing and producing songs and releasing numerous, well received singles as well as winning awards and putting smiles on the faces on their audiences wherever they go. On top of that they are charming as well as talented.

The album opens with 'All that I Am' and already it sets the tone for the journey ahead as the album evolves. Ash opens on guitar and Rebecca is straight into the lead vocal, telling the story of togetherness, imperfection and inner struggles, but also talks of discovering the beauty that lies within all of our souls. Its sprightly pop melody shows that the guys know how to write a song that tells a tale and a tune to go with it.

That very much is a pattern as we move onto the second track 'Something Real'. This time Ash takes the lead vocal on this more melancholic but sometimes uplifting narrative, expressing the need to make the most of what we have and finding peace in a moment. As the song grows it becomes more multi layered and builds towards a fitting climax.

'Breakthrough' is another song with a deeper meaning. You could be forgiven for thinking that this could have been a title track for the album, but in fact it's a story that encourages the listener to "let the healing come", which suggests that it's a song of angst but hope that we can all 'breakthrough' our woes in the end.

Then it's onto 'Nothing's Perfect' which is about Ash and Rebeccas friendship and how they met and how they bring out the best in each other. Appropriately they share the vocal on this one, taking turns on the lead but always singing nicely in harmony when they come together, which is an appropriate metaphor for the song itself.

The next few tracks kind of fit together in an order, giving the impression of very personal journeys. 'No One Left Behind' is a sentimental song of reassurance, written by Ash for Rebecca when she was going through tough times. It's a message that Ash delivers beautifully, and the words are inspiring for anybody struggling with what life can throw at us. This then leads into 'Balance', a story about mental health and how we need to look for equilibrium to be able to find the freedom we need to survive. 'Time to Heal' then takes the next step in encouraging the listener to do just that, and recognise that the ones that care for you most will be there when you come out the other side.

By the time we come to 'Safe and Sound', you can't help but feel just that! Rebeccas leads us through another carefully crafted song and encourages us to embrace those around us and how we are always there for each other when we fall. Then 'Today' reaches out for someone to "take it all away". It's another ballad of hope and inspiration delivered with sentiment and emotion and another well written melody.

As Rebecca says, "She's a Dreamer" does what it says on the tin! It continues the theme of the album in that we all need to dream in order to move forward in life, not to be dissatisfied with circumstance if it's not how you want it to be, and to always reach for the stars whatever life throws at you.

The penultimate track 'Drink it In', is another narrative tale led by Ash, that looks for the "beauty within". It starts with a simple arrangement and a very clear message, and it shows the duo's versatility in their delivery as the song grows once again, building in more instrumental layers and a rhythmic percussive sound.

The final track is a belter. 'A Little Time' was released as a single along the way and they guys have been performing it live for quite a while. For me, they have saved the best 'til last. It's a simple tune with a clear message, that Rebecca leads with her powerful, and emotive vocal, while Ash adds a simple guitar and backing vocal. It's another song about life's pathway and how there is no rush to get to where you want to be. It feels that in the end "it's all worked out fine". A fitting and hopeful finale to the whole record.

'Companion' is a fantastic debut album from Tu-kay & Ryan and one they should be very proud of. The songs feel very personal, always wearing their hearts on their sleeves, and is delivered in a way that is both clever and creative, while showcasing their musical ability. Their friendship takes centre stage on this record, not only in their clearly connected musical relationship while performing the songs, but also in the sentiment of their content. If you watch them live, this always shines through and that's what you should do next, after you have bought the record.

Stuart Green

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