My Own Grown Eyes
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
A Minneapolis singer, bassist and live sound engineer, Scott Allen brings a wealth of talent and experience to these 12 songs that comfortably reside in Americana and folk territory.
“The Finest Hour” opens the listen with Allen’s warm baritone guitar and inviting vocals alongside Andra Suchy’s pretty backing vocals and Noah Levy’s agile drumming, and “She’s Almost Here” follows with a playful jangle amid David Feily’s skilled mandolin and the flowing melodies.
Entering the middle, the thicker textures of “Delivered No Tomorrow” welcomes Doug Christianson’s bright percussion, while “Family Christmas Knife Fight” showcases Jeff King’s well timed tenor sax in the upbeat climate.
Closer to the end, the thumping and buzzing “Sugarcoat” benefits from Suchy’s soulful backing vocals and Allen’s bouncy bass, and “Saint You” exits with piano led intimacy that’s poetic and heart felt thanks to Allen’s emotive voice and Patrick Tanner’s sophisticated keys.
A very mature and diverse body of work, Allen explores pop, alt-rock and even bluegrass moments across this highly memorable listen.
Travels well with: The Jorgensens- Americana Soul; The Scarlet Goodbye- Hope’s Eternal