Tyketto

Closer To The Sun

JSR Opening Riff

After a decade between studio albums and several membership changes, can Tyketto still deliver the hooks and heart they’re known for? It’s a fair question for a band that’s weathered time, change, and the shifting tides of rock music itself.

Background

Originally formed in New Jersey in the late ’80s, Tyketto made their mark with Don’t Come Easy, a debut packed with staples such as “Forever Young,” “Standing Alone,” and “Lay Your Body Down.” After releasing Reach in 2016 during their run with Frontiers Records, the band saw significant lineup changes in 2023 as longtime members Chris Green and Michael Clayton stepped away. Their spots were filled by guitarist Harry Scott Elliott (Chez Kane) and drummer Johnny Dee (Britny Fox, Doro). Closer To The Sun is the group’s first release with Silver Lining Music.

Sound & Style

Closer To The Sun shines with the kind of melodic swagger that made Tyketto stand out from day one. Beneath the hooks and polished choruses, there’s also a reflective quality running through the record — a sense of experience, resilience, and earned perspective that fits the band’s long history. Despite Elliott and Dee’s relatively short time in the lineup, the guitars sparkle and the rhythm keeps everything tight and driving forward. Skeptics might wonder whether Vaughn can still deliver at the level fans expect, but their doubts are quickly cast aside as his voice remains soaring and unmistakably powerful. Both Tyketto and Vaughn prove they can still take listeners “Higher Than High.” The album is polished without losing the grit and heart that have always grounded Tyketto’s sound.

Standout Jhams

• Higher Than High — An energetic opener with a chorus just begging for a crowd
• Closer To The Sun — Classic Vaughn/Tyketto chemistry that quickly becomes a favorite
• Hit Me Where It Hurts — Gritty, tight riffs, and a pounding rhythm section that hits with purpose
• The Brave — Powerful, heartfelt, and uplifting — a studio closer that leaves a mark

Production Notes

The album artwork is immediately eye-catching, with its dark backdrop and matte finish inviting you to dig into the music inside. I spun both the CD and the absolutely gorgeous Sunburst vinyl and the quality on each is stellar. The vinyl is virtually noise free and looks stunning as it turns the platter. Sonically, the guitars sit forward in the mix without overwhelming Vaughn’s vocals, while the bass and drums stay tight and defined rather than muddy. The clarity lets the new lineup’s chemistry shine, all while preserving the warmth and grit that have become classic Tyketto.

JSR Liner Notes

Closer To The Sun feels like the sound of a band embracing its past while still exploring its potential. This record isn’t just a return — it’s a reminder that some bands don’t fade with age; they burn brighter.

Shows & Socials

Tyketto are slotted to play numerous festivals throughout Europe in 2026, and were recently booked on the 2027 Monsters of Rock Cruise.

Track List

1. Higher Than High
2. Starts With A Feeling
3. Bad For Good
4. We Rise
5. Donnowhuddidis
6. Closer To The Sun
7. Harleys & Indians (Riders In The Sky) ¹
8. Hit Me Where It Hurts
9. The Picture
10. Far And Away
11. The Brave

Band Members

• Danny Vaughn — Lead & backing vocals, acoustic & electric guitars, harmonica, keyboards and percussion
• Chris Childs — Bass guitar, percussion, keyboards, backing vocals
• Johnny Dee — Drums, percussion, backing vocals
• Harry Scott Elliott — Lead and rhythm electric guitars, percussion, backing vocals
• Ged Rylands — Keyboards, percussion, backing vocals

Production Credits

• Produced by Danny Vaughn & Chris Childs
• Engineered by Latif Bryant
• Mixed by Chris Childs
• Mastered by Dirk Ulrich