Father
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
A Massachusetts singer-songwriter, Izzy Heltai put a lot of heart and soul into this debut album, where he examines human relationships with forthrightness and a raw, emotional honesty that resonates with a sage like quality that certainly exceeds his mere 23 years on this planet.
Heltai starts the listen with the warm, intimate setting of “To Talk About Yourself”, as his inimitable vocals guide a lush folk display with gentle keys, and “The Stranger You’ve Become” follows with a country influence as soothing pedal steel makes an impression alongside Heltai’s soaring pipes.
Further along, “Human” is a sparse offering of timeless beauty, while “Songbird” radiates with a fuller quality of gritty, rootsy rock that’s not short on melody. “Whet Your Appetite”, a particularly noteworthy track, then burns slow initially before building into a multifaceted version of folk rock.
Near the end, “Catacomb” unfolds with a pretty display of cautious, reflective instrumentation, and “Father” exits the listen with a poetic and eloquent execution of mature, stirring song craft.
Heltai wrote and performed the bulk of this entire record, with the occasional help on backing vocals, cello, pedal steel, guitars and drums. Clearly an old soul, the youngster delivers like a seasoned vet, and it’s quite clear that his knack for writing a relatable, memorable tune won’t keep the artist in obscurity for very long.
Travels well with: Clay Harper- Dirt Yard Street; Matt Walsh- Burnt Out Soul