Tim Easton fIREHORSE
Singer-songwriter Tim Easton unveils his new album, fIREHORSE, produced by Nashville producer Kevin Nolan, and featuring the rhythm section from Lainey Wilson’s band, with Matt Nolan (drums) and Tommy Scifres (bass).
The cover art for the album is from a painting by Easton’s sister, Susan Easton Burns, reflecting an abstract-realist style, painted not with brushes but with garden tools. The album was made without A.I.
Easton says, “Whether the painting influenced the songs or the album was shaped to fit the painting makes no difference anymore. The theme was decided on, and actions were taken to finish the project. If anything, I’m influenced more by my sister’s commitment to art than anything else.”
He goes on to add, “One thing for sure is that this was conceived as an album. I like a collection with a theme, and if push comes to shove, the theme here is perseverance.”
Encompassing 10 tracks, entry points on fIREHORSE include the opening song, “River,” a low, dark, resonant tune that reveals a raw, loose feel made up of bluesy surfaces. There’s a wonderful, dirty, rolling flow to the melody.
A warm, quixotic mood runs through the center of “Heaven & Hell,” giving the melody a soft, comfortable sensation. Easton’s vocals are deliciously evocative and gentle, thus imbuing the lyrics with affectionate tones that elicit the same emotions in listeners.
“Son Of A Tyrant” features a psych-folk-rock melody tinted with country tangs. Dreamy vocals add to the psychedelic ambience of the harmonics. Be sure to listen carefully to Nolan’s drumming on this track – subtle and very finessed. A heavy organ and tight, luminous, lysergic guitar solo give the melody heft.
The syncopated rhythm of “Hallelujah” infuses the tune with a Celtic essence, along with dollops of gospel flavors. The feel and flow of the melody is surprisingly contagious, providing listeners with a lightly inspiring atmosphere.
For some reason, “Never Punch A Clock Again” summons up memories of Randy Newman – simple, with a potent rhythm, and a message that hits home. Whereas the closing track, “Hwy. 62 Love Song,” offers luscious folk-rock textures topped by Easton’s appealing, scratchy vocals, vaguely reminiscent of Don Henley.
fIREHORSE expresses a bluesy folk sound that’s reverent and easy to listen to – the songs shine when a bit darker and slower.
Discover more about Tim Easton here.
Enjoy some of our previous coverage here: REVIEW: Tim Easton “Find Your Way”
Tour Dates:
Thu, 2/26 Nashville, TN – City Winery Nashville Lounge – Residency
Fri, 2/27 Fort Wayne, IN – Songs in the City at Wunderkammer
Sat, 2/28 Cleveland, OH – Red Room House Concerts
Thu, 3/5 Nashville, TN – City Winery Nashville Lounge – Residency
Sat, 3/7 St. Louis, MO – Kelly House Concert
Thu, 3/12 Nashville, TN – City Winery Nashville Lounge – Residency
Thu, 3/19 Nashville, TN – City Winery Nashville Lounge – Residency
Sun, 3/22 Winston-Salem, NC – Muddy Creek Cafe and Music Hall w/ Dan Navarro
Tue, 3/24 Decatur, GA – Eddie’s Attic w/ Jessica Willis Fisher and Dan Navarro
Wed, 3/25 Charlotte, NC – The Evening Muse w/ Jessica Willis Fisher and Dan Navarro
Sun, 3/29 Mobile, AL – St Clair House Concert
Thu, 4/30 Nashville, IN – Brown County Inn
Sat, 5/2 Effingham, IL – The Listening Room
Wed, 5/6 Appleton, WI – Gibson Community Music Hall- Front Stage
Thu, 5/7 Arlington Heights, IL – Hey Nonny
Fri, 5/8 Livonia, MI – Trinity House Theatre
Sat, 5/9 Columbus, OH – Natalie’s Music Hall
Sun, 8/23 Wayne, PA – 118 North