There are singers, there are songwriters & there are poets - poets who pen tales and set stories to song. Elijah Wyman is certainly a poet & skilled storyteller [he cites Flannery O'Connor as an influence and is currently obtaining his degree in writing]. All facts folks.

In a category where I consider Al James' as Dolorean, Adrian Orange of Thanksgiving and The Prayers and Tears' able son Perry Wright to be the leaders of a new generation in storytelling through song - on WWNGS alone, Wyman has secured his position amongst these talented individuals. Singing with a seasoned level of conviction and a swollen heart, these nine tales contained on WWNGS - each built for acoustic guitar, yet strengthened with brass, drums & keys [the hammered dulcimer and overall being of "Girls should drive automatics" shines blindingly] - I have been beyond converted on the talent that this young man carries.

There are more moments to dissect and praise on Why We Never Go Swimming & Other Short Stories than many would be willing to believe. This is an album to be heard, cherished, lauded and heavily repeated. Nine solid anthems of death, love and the much respected wish to be dead ("Why We Never Go Swimming" [lyrics]) - what awaits you are 35 minutes of your time that is well invested. [kaleb]

"Silence was never awkward with you
until we started to talk."