Greg Laswell: Through Toledo (Vanguard/Shock)

 |   |  <1 min read

Greg Laswell: Through Toledo (Vanguard/Shock)

The world is so cluttered with singer-songwriters that excellent albums like Josh Rouse's recent Subtitulo can go right past people. (That's a hint)

I expect this pop-rock outing by San Diego-based Laswell -- who plays just about every instrument here -- could suffer a similarly undeserved fate.

But there's a lot to like on these melodically meaty songs, some of which swirl and soar on an orchestral uplift of stacked up electric guitars.

There are elements of a more gritty Coldplay here, some similar emotional resonances as Jeff Buckley (without the vocal bravura), intelligent dynamics, and a broodiness that is compelling.

Got a feeling this guy is a real grower.

Share It

Your Comments

post a comment

More from this section   Music at Elsewhere articles index

Jenny Hval: The Practice of Love (Sacred Bones/digital outlets)

Jenny Hval: The Practice of Love (Sacred Bones/digital outlets)

Norwegian multi-discipline artist (novelist, songwriter, sonic experimenter, collaborator) Jenny Hval is – like Laurie Anderson – someone who melds the spoken and sung word with unusual... > Read more

Drive-By Truckers: The Big To-Do (Pias)

Drive-By Truckers: The Big To-Do (Pias)

The Truckers inspire great loyalty, but fans may be tested by this outing which was knocked off quickly and suffers for it. Certainly it rocks like Pearl Jam with Neil Young or Tom... > Read more

Elsewhere at Elsewhere

NELLY OMAR: The restless soul of Argentina

NELLY OMAR: The restless soul of Argentina

Sometimes it is possible to feel some sympathy for the aging Rolling Stones, and not because they are aging -- but because that has become an issue. It must be extremely tedious for Jagger,... > Read more

THE WAIATA MAORI MUSIC AWARDS FINALISTS (2019): Kia kaha and kon-gratulations

THE WAIATA MAORI MUSIC AWARDS FINALISTS (2019): Kia kaha and kon-gratulations

Now in its 12th year, the Waiata Maori Music Awards celebrate excellence in Maori music, honouring the keepers, teachers, promoters, creators and performers of Maori music. And now, during... > Read more