Introverts

Thomas Comerford

Independent release, 2021

http://www.ThomasComerford.net

REVIEW BY: Tom Haugen

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 06/25/2021

A Chicago singer-songwriter and educator who brings some very diverse influences to his curious brand of folk rock, multi-instrumentalist Thomas Comerford has a lot of company here across the eight very well thought out tunes that are likely to remind you of Willie Nelson, Lou Reed, Joe Strummer, or Tom Waits.

Introverts gets the album off to a very cozy start as Johnny Caluya's spirited electric guitar and Robbie Hamilton's playful synth complement Comerford's deep pipes and electric guitar on “Not Like Anybody Else.” This atypical version of Americana continues to the pretty, reflective “Cowboy Mouth,” where Ariel Bolles' and Crystal Hartford voices add much beauty.my_heart_sings_the_harmony_web_ad_alt_250

The remainder of the first side includes the quicker, scrappy, vintage rock of “Three Sisters,” which benefits from Kriss Bataille's precise drumming, while “Onion City” makes great use of Matthew Cummings' well timed bass work amid a flawlessly textured, rootsy album highlight.

The second side leads with the duet “Partners,” which has Azita Youssefi's flowing pipes alongside Comerford's rugged voice as Tom McGettrick's glowing pedal steel guitar mesmerizes. “Spacetime So Small” then trims the volume back with more emphasis on acoustic guitar alongside a dreamy climate that unfolds with synth from Edward E. Crouse and fretless bass guitar thanks to Curtis Ruptash.

The final two tracks, “The Method” and “Bet Wrong,” don't disappoint either. The former is a light and melodic display of nostalgic layers as Amalea Tshilds contributes gorgeous backing vocals, and the latter enters almost gospel territory and includes Youssefi's piano that steers a soaring, emotive, and joyous exit.

Introverts is Comerford's fourth album, and he plays acoustic and electric guitars, 12-string acoustic guitars, synthesizers, tremola, and percussion on all originals that balance intimacy and exploration with much care. Self-described as “Eno meet folk,” his formula is that and much more on a charming, even enlightening listen that you can't help but admire.

Rating: B

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