READY TO MOVE Joe Gallant. |
Lately, there's been something of a rush of literary, high-minded singer songwriters, but Joe Gallant takes a more well-established track on his debut EP, My Own Divide, delivering smooth pop songs for fans of Howie Day, Jack Johnson, and Harry Connick Jr. And while that's something of a dangerous proposition (done wrong it could have been majorly cheesy), Gallant mostly pulls it off nicely. He's got a smooth, full-bodied whisper of a voice, an effortless guitar style with easy melodies, and he's generally very likeable.
There's not a ton of substance here, necessarily — everything's in the second person; lyrics literally include "everything's gonna be alright" and "you don't have to say a word" — but it sounds nice in the background on a lazy Sunday afternoon when the fire's crackling and you're having a coffee. "Perfect Kind of Love" has a bit of wicka-wicka light jazz and bluesy guitar solo. "Lost in You" has a chiming melody that's lively.
Of course, Gallant is a young guy, and this was recorded with Jonathan Wyman back in June 2010, so it's likely he's only gotten better and more self-assured since then. Flaws like trying to jam too many lyrics into too small a space (are we supposed to sing along with these choruses or what?) and a lackluster falsetto have likely been polished up. I don't think it's too ridiculous to hazard that some poor young woman might find herself head over heels for this young man before his release show is through. Mom will surely find him utterly charming when she brings him home.
Sam Pfeifle can be reached atsam_pfeifle@yahoo.com.
MY OWN DIVIDE | Released by Joe Gallant | all-ages show @ 6-9 pm | evening 21+ show with Zach Jones + John Nels + Sleeper Agent | both at the Big Easy, in Portland | Oct 28 | joegallantmusic.com
