Company Man
Self-Released, 2025
8/10
The Washington native Mark Fredson has a long history with songwriting and even landed a record deal in high school. These days he’s floating around pop and rock, and these 10 well thought out tracks surround ideas about growing up with still embracing the chaotic beauty of youth.
The title track opens with warm keys and playful percussive ideas, as Fredson’s smooth pipes emit much grace in an ‘80s friendly climate, and “Just As God Intended!” follows with a frisky dreaminess, where the rich instrumentation makes for a lush moment.
In the middle, “Love You So Bad” comes with a soulfulness and thumping drums that suit the lively bass, while “Me And Sarah” is a bit hazy and textured with grace amid the stirring strings.
“Desperate Measures” and “That’s That” exit the listen. The former comes with a darker appeal that uses meticulous guitar and builds into quicker bouts, and the latter exits via intimacy, melody and fluid musicianship that’s heartfelt.
Now a Nashville resident, Fredson’s vision might bring to mind Tom Petty, HAIM or Warren Zevon, and he brings a lifetime of experience to classic rock, indie pop, and soft rock that emits much timelessness.
Travels well with: Freddy Trujillo- I Never Threw A Shadow At It; Steve Drizos- I Love You Now Leave Me Alone