Chuck Ragan
Till Midnight
Side One Dummy (2014)
It’s almost at the point where Chuck Ragan has reinvented himself. Sure, he’s always had the voice and he’s done the countrified thing in the past with Rumbleseat, but the level of professionalism and dedication he’s brought to his solo project is worth noting. He’s now released four solo records and built his own momentum beyond the punk rock scene.Till Midnight maintains the same tone as its predecessor, Covering Ground. It’s generally positive in theme while simultaneously searching for answers and companionship. The majority of the record is influenced by folk and a bit of punk rock road warrior mentality. When the first person is used, which is often, it’s of a “man on the road” point of view, going so far as the second song, aptly titled “Vagabond.” More than anything, Ragan sings what he knows: life on the road as a troubadour with a simple message, as in the opening lines from “Whistleblowers Song,” “We’ve got a whole lot of hate on our hands/ and not enough love to go around.”The songs are heartfelt and honest, the key elements to the solo style, as it’s his voice that people identify with. If there’s a development with this record, … Read more
Direct Effect
Sunburn
Tiny Engines (2014)
With roots in Orlando, Florida but now touching down in Philadelphia, members of hardcore outfit Direct Effect have presumably fallen … Read more
Moonlit Sailor
We Come From Exploding Stars
Deep Elm (2014)
A post-rock review is always a challenge. If you think it’s tough to capture the attention of an audience and … Read more
