Singer/songwriter Eric Falstrom has been performing locally for several years, including with the rockin’ Mystery Wagon in the early ’90s. Since then, Falstrom has been working the solo route, releasing his own records off and on since the end of the Wagon.
But Falstrom’s latest disc, Love Will Come Through, feels much like a reintroduction, featuring some of the best writing and performing of his career so far. The album is rich and focused, bringing Falstrom’s strengths — poetic lyrics, a heartfelt singing voice and beautiful arrangements — to the forefront.
Helping the cause are the local artists he chose to work with on the project. Singer/songwriter/keyboardist Sharon Udoh (who also works with The Newbees, Lines and Spaces and several other local acts) offers some elegant, sweeping keys, which add depth and vibrancy to the songs’ gorgeous, romantic sway. David Prues, responsible for the album’s crisp production, also lends some rock-solid drumming to the tracks.
Falstrom, of course, is the album’s heart and soul. There is a passion to his writing and delivery that drips from the speakers. With a voice that’s part Morrissey-sincerity, part Nick Drake-wispiness, Falstrom paints his songs with broad, folksy strokes while retaining a Pop-like hookiness throughout the record.
On tracks like “Remembering Your Love,” Falstrom’s Folk leanings come through strong. While remembering lost loved ones, Falstrom sings earnestly on a bed of acoustic guitar and harmonica. Opener “Angels Will Sing” is more in the Pop vein, but it still possesses a lush romanticism, reflecting some of today’s “New” Folk practitioners, as well as some of the Twee British Pop of the ’90s. Fans of Belle and Sebastian, Andrew Bird, Daniel Martin Moore and Damien Jurado will find a kindred soul on Love Will Come Through.
Falstrom hosts a CD release party for the new disc this Friday at the Speckled Bird Café in Norwood. Matthew Shelton, Chris Haubner and Joseph W. Thomas also perform. (myspace.com/ericfalstrom)
Local Notes
• Popular, long-running Indie Rock band Junior Revolution — known for its powerful live shows and fantastic multiple harmonies — has decided to call it a day. A couple of the members will carry on in Nashville with their new band Slow Claw, which is currently working on a new recording with Joel Hamilton of The Working Title. The band is giving their many fans one last hurrah with a show at Covington’s Mad Hatter this Saturday. They’ll be joined by Arc Arsenal, Arms Exploding, Alone at 3am and Charlie Hustle for the all-ages 9 p.m. show.
• This Monday at Sliverton’s Play By Play, you can catch our area’s entrants in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis and also help them raise some money for their trip. The show features Ricky Nye Inc. and Jimmy D. Rogers (representing the Cincy Blues Society), as well as Cheryl Renee and Them Bones (representing the Kentuckiana Blues Society). Rogers, Nye and Renee will also be offering up a “Piano Mayhem” showcase (all three acts are piano-based). The show runs from 7 p.m. until 11 pm. Cover is $5 for Cincy Blues Society members; $7 for non-members. The IBC takes place in early February.
CONTACT MIKE BREEN: [email protected]