Finding out anything about Aaron Thomas at all is something of a chore even with the help of Google. If the music thing doesn’t work out (and that could be a possibility) then perhaps a career as a spy is not an unreasonable move.Such gripes aside, what we can tell you is that Thomas is an Australian singer songwriter who has very little coverage over here, but has worked particularly hard in Madrid and Australia. Follow the Elephants has been available since 2008, but for some reason it’s made an unexpected appearance in 2009. It obviously didn’t make too much of an impression in 2008. Could 2009 be Aaron Thomas’ year? I’d love to be able to say yes, as there’s nothing like hearing an album that’ll take the world by the scruff and announce itself in a booming fuck you voice. This is not that album unfortunately; for a start there’s no booming voice at all. Thomas comes from that Buckley/Yorke school of high register vocalising that can sound amazingly wounded and beautiful, but is also prone to just being a whining, whingeing, self indulgent drone. There are elements of various influences that make an appearance throughout Follow The Elephants. The spectre of Tom Waits hangs heavy over the best songs here, most notably 'Any More'. Rufus Wainwright informs the more dramatic overwrought moments, and for some reason we can’t but help think of Turin Brakes almost constantly throughout the duration of the album.The main problem with this album is lack of ambition and a willingness to mix things up. All too often Thomas opts for the easy route, making the majority of these songs bland and uninteresting. It’s why we keep coming back to the uneven stomp of 'Any More'; it’s a reminder that Mr Thomas is capable of the occasional great moment. 'Down To Earth' is a sombre little number that smoulders gently. Thomas’ voice is perfect for such a setting. When it breaks into an unexpected gibberish break, you’re finally woken from your slumber. YAYAYAYAYAYA he hoots, like a charging bezerker. It really has no place in a song like this at all, and for that you can only salute him and wonder how he managed to write an album that for the most part languishes in a corduroy stupor.'Aw C’Mon' also manages to set itself apart from the majority by stepping forward with a brilliantly simple jig. Its quirky nature is worn like a jauntily placed titfer as Thomas revels in the paranoia of an overheard conversation. When he explores his own ridiculous conceits he’s at his best. Unfortunately when he takes himself too seriously, you end up with 'We Don’t Care' ”“ a bloated, over-wrought rock work out that even Gomez would think twice about releasing.Not a great album then, but there are glimmers of hope. When Aaron Thomas returns with his next album ”“ possibly after a few years out due to his spy work ”“ at least you’ll know that he’s an Australian singer-songwriter who lives in Madrid, and his first album wasn’t that great, but that it showed some promise. 52%Aaron Thomas on Myspace