Vacancy
Self-Released, 2024
8/10
An artist with a history in louder, harder music, these days Jared McCloud is more concerned about substance via these heartfelt and sincere songs that recruit plenty of help.
“A Kind Of Love That Will Tear You Apart” opens the listen with Ian Prince’s thumping drums that suit the melodic energy of the harmonic climate, and “The Score” follows with McCloud’s warm guitar and inviting vocals bringing to mind the almighty Soul Asylum.
Moving into the middle, the bare and emotive “Mama” builds into a firm rocker that benefits from soft versus firm moments, while “Vacancy Blues” is a gorgeous strummer that tugs on the heartstrings in a dreamy mood.
Arriving close to the end, “Landscape” recruits strings from Greg Byers for a lush and rich album highlight, and “Stars & Hearts” exits with a scrappy and upbeat alt-rock influenced finish that’s crunchy and just so memorable.
You can’t not mention Kevin Bowe’s contributions here, where his production, guitars, percussion, melodica and backing vocals help illuminate McCloud’s modern-rock approach that’s enjoyable from beginning to end.
Travels well with: Chris Murphy- The Red Road; Hans Halstead- Minnesota Girl