CD Review: Dark Horse — Eric Himan

About two months ago I stumbled across Eric Himan at a CD preview/signing event for another artist. After the performance, I purchased his Dark Horse and took a moment or two to tell him how much I enjoyed the show and his music. He was kind and very gracious as he signed the cd to me and my kids, but the real treat came when we got in the car and put the cd into the stereo.

With a voice that is uniquely edgy, he delivers songs that really mean something. Strong and powerful lyrics are carried on simple, yet appealing arrangements. Though he’s becoming quite a hit on the college charts, I would describe the music as a tumbled combination of folk and classic rock.

The album kicks off with the song “Habit/Curse.” It sings of a relationship that continues on because it’s the easier thing to do. It successfully touches something inside me, because I can feel as though it came from an authentic place inside him. The lyrics are real, and sung with power of true emotions.

“White Horse” is another track that stands out for me on the CD. With a country rock feel, he sings of the fairy tale happy ending of a “man on a white horse.” It’s humor comes in he nugget of honest truth that is core to this album. I can (and do) listen the song over and over again with a smile and a chuckle.

“Aimlessness” is another track worth mentioning. With the solid rock melody it is the hardest edged song on Dark Horses. It also has the solid message and poetic lyrics his other tracks have.

Clips from Dark Horses can be found at the artists website, as well as news, a bio, and a journal which is updated frequently. Dark Horse as well as other releases area available on Thumbcrown records.

photos taken by Connie Phillips at Borders in Ann Arbor MI.

Track Listing

Habit/Curse
Have Me
Clyde
White Horse
Holding Back the Years
Aimlessness
Stradned
Listen
Throw Away the Past
Brown Fog
Weave