If you have heard the swagger of Higher Than High, the first single from the new album by Tyketto, then you will know exactly what is coming. Higher Than High is, as singer and founder member Danny Vaughn states, “classic Tyketto.” The song and the album shout, play me loudly and take me for a drive.
Tyketto – Closer To The Sun
Release Date: 20 March 2026
Words: Paul Hutchings
Closer To The Sun is Tyketto’s first album for a decade and comes at a time when the band are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Indeed, the whole classic rock movement seems in rude health, with the band very much part of the plethora of shows and festivals that straddle the calendar.
Whilst I would argue that Tyketto bring little new or innovative to the table, what they do they do incredibly well. It is hard not to sing along to Starts With A Feeling, with its ’80s vibe. The music is polished. Ged Ryland’s keys play an integral part in the band’s rich sound, and it is evident that his participation is essential.
Ultimately, though, Tyketto live and die by Vaughn’s voice, and if you have seen this band live in recent times, you will know how Danny Vaughn is one of the best around. He is also blessed with vocal qualities that place him in the same camp as legends as diverse as Nev McDonald and David Coverdale in his heyday.
Bringing a heavier crunch to the album, Johnny Dee’s reliable drumming anchors the whole album with a solidity that one expects of such an experienced drummer. He locks in with Thunder’s Chris Childs with an ease that only high-calibre musicians possess. This allows some moments for Harry Scott Elliot’s fine guitarwork.
Tyketto will always be associated with their anthem Forever Young, and whilst there is no such earworm here, there are plenty of tracks that allow the ‘arms aloft’ moments.
We Rise provides the anthemic ballad that will have those attending the likes of Planet Rockstock gushing into their beer. It is a track that works well, despite it being very typical of a thousand other songs.
Now, you will probably be getting a negative vibe from me, but far from it. It is almost impossible to hear an original song these days, such is the saturation of the market, and the one that Tyketto operates in is swamped with hundreds, if not thousands, of soundalikes.
So, on the one hand, there is nothing new as I have already said, but whilst the wheel is not reinvented at any time here, there is a ballsy approach that certainly puts this band in the top tier.
Donnowhuddidis, with its bombastic swing, is great, whilst the title track demands your attention, even if just to appreciate the crafted approach which echoes bands like Thunder in their prime.
Interestingly, it is when the band go a little left field, as they do on Harleys & Indians (Riders In The Sky), with uptempo percussion, that things get a bit more interesting. Vaughn’s vocals are smooth as silk, his harmonica blends into the song with panache, and it brings a new shine to the song.
Similarly, Hit Me Where It Hurts has a bit more grit, and Scott Elliott really does get the opportunity to let rip. The inevitable ballad comes in the shape of The Picture. Not my bag, far too emotional, but it is a quintessential part of an album in this genre, and once again, the boys do it well.
There is also an opportunity to strip it back a bit, and Far And Away does that particularly well. Some lovely acoustic guitar leads the song, with beautiful harmonies and some subtle keys that add a Celtic flavour.
The album ends with The Brave, and although I understand the sentiments, it is one of the weakest here and unsurprisingly is not included on vinyl versions of the record. Far too cliched in every respect, I imagine some will love it.
Overall, Closer To The Sun is an enjoyable listen, superbly played and with a fine production. I am sure that Tyketto’s loyal army of fans will be ecstatic with this release.
After ten years waiting, it is understandable indeed.
Tyketto release Closer To The Sun through Silver Lining Music on 20 March 2026. The album will be available on Deluxe Limited Edition 12″ Sunburst Vinyl, Limited Edition 12″ Red Vinyl, 12″ Black Vinyl, CD Digipak, Digital Download, Streaming and special D2C bundles.
Pre-orders are available from lnk.to/TykettoCloserToTheSun. For tour dates and tickets, visit Tyketto.com.
