Depending upon your point of entry, the listener will come to see alternative country-rocker as a new Tom Petty, neo-Eagles, or maybe a little of both of those classic rockers mixed with a cool, classic British soul-rock and ambient influence. His lead vocals are airy, like Nick Drake’s mixed with Petty’s, and some of his grooves borrow from those popular artists, but all blend to create a unique, sometimes dark vision. He set the mood on his critically acclaimed Normal for Bridgewater, and this collection is designed to continue the journey. He’s got some great bandmates along for the ride (including Peter Noone on bass), but it’s his own guitar crunching that stands out about the folk-rock stories he tells. In other places, as on “One Drink Away,” he kicks back with the acoustic. Still other tracks play like pure, summery atmosphere with a simply yet colorful story attached (“Downtown”). The name of his label implies a slow, kick-back type of vibe, but in its best spot, this one really rocks. – Jonathan Widran
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