Artist: Ajay Mathur: Vocals; Musicians: Richard Koechli: Slide guitarist; Samuel Mosching: Guitar, bass and drums; Michael Dolmetsch: Pianist; Stevie Blacke: Strings; Christian Winiker: Guitar; Asuka: Koto; Rachel Gawell: Cello; Fausto Medici: Japanese Taiko-like percussion, avant-garde percussion, guitar, bass and tablas; Marvin Napflin: Button accordion; Mary Lou von Wyl: Recitation; and Mercedes Bralo: Argentine harpist

Album: ‘Blow My Cover;’ Released: October 20, 2023; Produced by Mathur at The Lounge, Stans, Switzerland; Mixed by Austin Asvanonda, L.A., U.S.; Mastered by John Webber, AIR Studios, London, UK; Label: Yakketeeyak Music

Contending with the realization that there are situations that are out of their control is has been one of the most difficult challenges for people around the world over the past few years. But Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Ajay Mathur is addressing the harrowing emotions that have accompanied the world’s medical, political and financial conflicts his latest blues-pop album, ‘Blow My Cover.’

The 13-track record, which is driven by elements of American, crossover country, rock and urban folk, continues the musician’s tradition of infusing his lyrics with deep meaning and universal themes. In an effort to overcome conflict and bring people together during the current difficult times, the Indian-born Mathur, who now lives in Switzerland, used a new perspective and idea to his creative advantage.

‘Blow My Cover’ is different than the songwriter’s previous five LPs, as he decided to give up complete creative control by completely trusting fellow artists with his music. He contacted 25 musicians from various genres around the world – some he knew, and some he admired, but had never met – and asked them to interpret one or more of his previously released tunes in their own style. Emphasizing the need for the world to regain trust in each other, he incorporated the feedback he received from around the world onto his latest album.

‘Blow My Cover’ begins with the optimistic, encouraging opening track, ‘Forget About Yesterday.’ The song features strength in its inspirational message that’s vital for everyone as they overcome their feelings of despair and feel empowered to rise up and live. The songwriter’s lyrical contemplations on the importance of moving forward, especially during life’s most stressful days, is driven by the tune’s unique blend of rootsy, bluesy acoustical and electronic instrumentals. The artist chants the track’s title lyrics – stop thinking about tomorrow and forget about yesterday – to emphasize the importance of taking action to find happiness in calming but firm and rousing vocals.

‘Forget About Yesterday’ is followed up by the record’s stellar sophomore effort, ‘Little Boat.’ The LP’s second entry maintains a formidable rootsy maturity with a progressive guitar atmosphere. Taking inspiration from the traditional vocals of the late English folk-pop singer-songwriter Nick Drake, who was known for his acoustic guitar-based tracks, and the progressive English rock band King Crimson, Mathur crafted an emotional ballad.

The melancholic tune features a slow, drifting rhythm that’s driven by incandescent, hypnotic guitars rifts. The reverbed instruments support the musician’s evocative, ‘80s-inspired vocals, infuse his lyrics with tender timbres.

The track’s lyrics are an impassioned, stark metaphor for a relationship that has tied Mathur down and led him astray into a life-altering situations. He admits that like a boat that won’t float any more because the tide has risen, he can no longer move forward in his current circumstance. He also feels like there’s no use in believing in his situation – or the boat – anymore. Like cleaning the boat, he has washed himself of his emotional dilemma, and is finally free to move on within the wisdom of the stillness he sees.

The second half of the album is just as captivating as the first half, which is seen in its seventh entry, ‘Comedian.’ With an exotic recitation by Mary Lou von Wyl and up-tempo melody from Marvin Napflin

on the button accordion, the song’s Parisian mystique crafts a sophisticated pop exploration into how a love affair has gone awry.

The artist reflects on the fact that he was serious in his love affair, but the woman he loves just viewed him as comic relief to make herself feel better. He finally realizes and accepts the fact that she has relegated him to play a specific part in the plots she has created. He’s still hoping that she’ll have a change of heart and go back to him, even though he knows that he’s just playing the part of comic relief.

‘Blow My Cover’ begins to wind down with its 11th entry, ‘Walking On the Water.’ The tune, which serves as ‘Blow My Cover’s first radio single, is brimming with melody and enthusiasm for life and a unique flavor of intimacy.

The track features entrancing psychedelic drums and guitars that support country-infused lyrics. Mathur enthralling mention that he wants to hold onto the connection with the person he loves, even though he has long prioritized his career. He also promises he’ll to do whatever it takes to be with, and please, the person he loves as they set out to obtain their vision of paradise.

The song’s new version is a standout from the singer’s latest record, as it features a free-range openness and a timeless quality. Mathur has mastered the new bluesy melody and hillbilly rhythms, which are fueled by Americana-doo-wop vocals. His singing is accompanied by nostalgic doo-wop guitar riffs by his long-time friend and musical companion, Richard Koechli.

‘Blow My Cover’ comes to a close with the ending tune, ‘All Your Thoughts,’ which is reminiscent of the late Canadian folk-rock singer-songwriter, Leonard Cohen. Mathur’s husky, low tones infuse the lyrics with remorseful melancholy over a lightly strummed acoustic guitar.

The modern folk ballad features soulful lyrics that contemplate how the musician’s thoughts were influenced by the person he loved, but her mind unraveled again. He admits that he’d be willing to move on and continue their relationship, but she doesn’t recognize the moral consequences of her lies. As he realizes that she’ll always hold him back, he has to find a way to move on, even if she’s unwilling to change and repair their relationship.

‘Blow My Cover’ is a mesmerizing sonic soundscape that’s driven by elements of folk, jazz, classical and rock instrumentals, vocals and lyrics, which create a personal and relatable sense of intimacy and clarity. Mathur thrives in addressing the harrowing emotions that have accompany life’s most challenging dilemmas on the 13 tracks of his new covers album.

Some of the album’s most noteworthy songs are completely new, independent compositions that only vaguely represent their original version. But they’re similar in the fact that they still address the harrowing emotions that have accompanied the world’s biggest conflicts. With a completely new perspective, the artist is still emphasizing the need for the world to regain trust in each other on each of the tunes featured on ‘Blow My Cover.’

For more information on Mathur, visit his official website, as well as his Bandcamp, SoundCloud, Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Facebook and X/Twitter pages.