A Thousand Shades
Relief, 2019
8/10
Though Robert LaRoche’s name may not be familiar with you, you might recognize his long running on and off again band The Sighs, who achieved some mainstream success in the early ‘90s with their single “Think About Soul”.
The follow up to his well received 2015 debut solo album, this EP has the troubadour in peak form across well thought and eclectic sounds that certainly touch on his past, but also embrace the sage-like quality of the veteran musician.
“Seeds Of Doubt” gets the album started with a sophisticated and timeless appeal where fiddles, banjos and guitars all meet at a very warm place, and “Drawn To You” follows with a fun pop-rock spirit that sounds like it could have been penned in any decade since the ‘70s.
In the middle, “A Thousand Shades” brings a moody, reflective setting that takes nods at alt-rock, while “Jet Blue” recruits a playful feeling of multifaceted rock’n’roll with a stunning guitar solo. Near the end, “Too Much At Once” finds the EP in ballad territory with heartfelt singing with aching violin, and “The Dream Is Gone” ends the quick listen with punchy rhythm on a vibrant exit of melodic energy.
The good news is that The Sighs are back playing and recording. The great news is that LaRoche is still finding time for solo work as well, and his dreamy, baroque-pop inspired song craft is certainly worth several spins.
Travels well with: Del Shannon- Drop Down And Get Me; The Beach Boys- Pet Sounds