Chris J Connolly

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Moving Maps

Diversion, 2017

8/10

Listen to Moving Maps

An England native who now resides in New York, the singer-songwriter Chris J Connolly returns with a sophomore album here, where his folky, country-ish and Americana ways are illuminated while still being rooted in rock sounds.

“Fight At The End” starts with folksy strumming as Connolly’s intimate and inviting vocals steer the melodic opener that brings in violin, and “The Sun” follows with warm percussion as a calm setting unfolds with an emotive form of Americana.

At the halfway point, “Grey Boxes” flows with bare beauty where an acoustic guitar and subtle keys illuminate the sparse approach, while “Extra Cold” offers a fuller display of dynamic, rhythmic song craft. “Selfish”, an album highlight, then recruits bluesy guitars and charming dobro in a precisely textured atmosphere.

Closer to the end, “Tornado” lands in ballad territory where Connolly’s breathy, expressive vocals and strategic, minimal instrumentation work together sublimely, and “Monsters” exits on a similarly sparse note, where effective synth adds much to the thoughtful climate.

Whereas Connolly’s debut album was more a solo venture, this time around he’s in the company of Pete Mancini (Butcher’s Blind) and Anthony Pravata (Miles To Dayton), among others, and the meshing of rock, folk, blues and pop along with Connolly’s tenor pipes makes for a very unique listen.

Travels well with: Conor Mulroy- The Last Circus Act; Spencer Cullum- Coin Collection