Sunglass & Ash
Self-Released, 2022
9/10
A double LP from the New York power-pop, Americana outfit, Andrew Weiss and company welcome plenty of strings to their Laurel Canyon nods that populate the very genuine and often anthemic songwriting of these 24 tracks.
Disc 1 leads with the scrappy power-pop of “What’ve We Learned To Live With”, where Sara Barsky-Weiss’ backing vocals and John Venezia’s precise drumming add much to the upbeat climate, and “Tommy’s Teardrops” follows with smooth singing alongside Alex Jules’s Steinway piano and Jack Hoffman’s Moog synthesizer that benefits the more cautious landscape of nostalgic rock sounds.
Further into this portion the more intimate “Shot In The Dark” has Weiss playing Ludwig and Slingerland drums, Fender Musicmaster bass guitar, tambourine, Fender Telecaster electric guitar, Gibson ES-125 TDC electric guitar, Martin D35 acoustic guitar, Baldwin grand piano, Hammond B3 organ and handling lead and backing Vocals, while “Ha Ha (So Good They Named It Twice)” focuses on acoustic guitar and emits some folky ideas that are as timeless as they are absorbing.
“This Was A Wonderful Place” exits the first disc, and recruits Chase Potter’s violin and viola and Tiger Darrow’s cello to the ballad territory that’s quite pensive and cozy.
Disc 2 opens with “Hollywood Is Real (Forever)”, where a soulful quality enters with strings and keys interacting with much warmth, and it isn’t long until “You Had To Be There” enters with Jesse Kessler’s piano and organ prowess adding much to the crisp and diverse spirit that’s even a bit psychedelic.
Deeper still, “Love By The Numbers” is indeed a bit romantic with some grit to be found amid the breezy melodies, and “Backstage Bella/Italian Ice” exits the listen with Weiss handling all the instruments and showcasing his strong range on a diverse and tender finish.
It’s not hard to think of names like Tom Petty, Paul Westerberg or Rhett Miller when listening to Sunglass & Ash, which shouldn’t be a problem for anyone, and it just might make you a fan as quickly as it did me.
Travels well with: Mabilene- The Other Side; Brother Earl & The Cousins- Down With My Ship