This 12-track collection of lush rock melodies and introspective wordsmithery is the brainchild of Minneapolis’ Jon Herchert. Clean, “full” production and warmth made this a pleasure to take in. Of the album’s standouts, “Ludicrous”‘s shades of early ’70’s rock gave way to hearing Rundgrenseque structure and melody. “Turnaround” starts with the feel of a straightforward rock track but then surprises and pleases with tasteful pedal steel runs. “Shallow” again harkens back to a ’70’s style ballad, especially with its use of a Fender Rhodes (or at least a reasonable facsimile); “Dog” is countrified in its delivery and “Afraid To Love” is the standout for me, with its classic rock-ness in all the best ways. Reminiscent of The Black Crowes, it has that down home, sweetly endearing country rock feel. Recurring themes of love, loss and longing ties this album together with cohesiveness and a maturity not recently recognized by me; this is a strong and interesting listen. Well-crafted.

Album Reviews, Music

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About the Author

Rob Ross

Rob Ross has been, for good, bad or indifferent, involved in the music industry for over 30 years - first as guitarist/singer/songwriter with The Punch Line, then as freelance journalist, producer and manager to working for independent and major record labels. He resides in Staten Island, New York with his wife and cats; he works out a lot, reads voraciously, loves Big Star and his orange Gretsch. Doesn't that make him neat?

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