by Jeff Jenkins

When an album starts 'There is an epithet that perfectly defies her grace and manner/Permeates and it diffuses as it occupies my thinking', you feel you might be on to something special. With its power, poetry and grace, "Castaway" -- the debut album from Melbourne singer-songwriter Matt Whytcross -- deserves a comparison to Jeff Buckley. These are emotional, literate, heartfelt songs. Other comparisons while we're at it: Neil Finn, and maybe Sting, minus the ponderous cliches.

Thematically, "Castaway" is an album about relationships where the protagonists aren't connecting. 'I opened up my heart to you, your mind stays closed.' Matt sings on "Waiting". 'Don't need your TV/Don't like your new car/You can't see the real me.' ("Scream In The Dark"). 'Why can't I make more sense of it/Why can't I call you?' ("Idle Eyes"). It's an emotional rollercoaster ride. On another track, he sings: 'And I will tell myself this will be the last time I fall in love'. But, of course, you know he will.

There's a restless spirit at the heart of "Castaway". The stand out cut is the Generation X lament "Regret Free", which highlights Matt's vocal diversity and power. 'The next time that I am young, you know I won't stand still,' he sings. 'But if I get around the world and find that nothing's changed, I'll be an angry little 80s child if it still remains.' "Castaway" also features the impressive singles, the ballad "Precious" and the U2-like "Run To Your Side". And Matt takes a swipe at the corporate world ('a sky full of corporate boxes') on the album's most direct rock moment, the Oils-influenced "Blister".

Although there is not a weak track here, there is no obvious breakthrough radio smash. And times are certainly tough for male singer-songwriters. This is a pity because "Castaway" is an album that shouldn't be ignored. Seek it out. Embrace it.

"Castaway" is out now through Episode. The track "Regret Free" will be available for download from the Australian MP3 site as of Monday 2 August, at www.MP3.com.au.