Music Review: Indie Round-Up for Nov. 16 2006 - Copeland, Wolfkin, Jason Vigil - Page 2

Jason Vigil - Heart Gone Sober

Jason Vigil's hybrid of anthemic alt-rock and heartland howling seems at first to have too much bluster, but by the end of the CD it has earned its drama. Though Vigil and his band are very good at sustaining moods (and playing their instruments), many of the lyrics are just strings of relationship homilies set to run-of-the-mill melodies. Yet at his best, as in "So Tell me," Vigil evokes the gravelly passion of an Ed Kowalczyk.

At other times he sings breathily (as in "Hurts To Be Without"), or pronounces things strangely (as in "Safety's Gone," where you have to look at the lyrics to know that he's singing "I don't want to be down" and not "I don't want to be dead"), for cheap effect. But then comes the icepick-powerful "Looking in the Sun" and the unique bolt of lightning "Come To Me," and it all seems worth it.

When all is said and done, this CD is a pleasure to listen to, but, hook-wise, after three listens, nothing has stuck in my head. Your mileage may vary; it's worth a try because it's good stuff in many ways. Extended clips can be heard here.

Article Author: Jon Sobel

Jon Sobel is Co-Executive Editor of Blogcritics. As a writer he contributes most often to the Culture section, where he often reviews NYC theater; he also writes a semi-regular review round-up of independent music releases. …

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