This Town
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
It’s no secret that Minneapolis had a very tragic summer in 2020, and the local singer-songwriter Brian Charles Tischleder responded to all the unrest with song, as he penned this very well thought out album after watching all the racial injustice unfold in the town that he calls home.
“All Night Hamburger Stand” starts the listen with a doo-wop throwback approach that goes back many decades, where Tonia Hughes contributes playful, soulful vocals alongside saxophone from Walter Chancellor Jr. and spirited organ thanks to Grant Dawson, and “Sixteen Candles” follows with a more rugged delivery, where firm drumming from J.T. Bates and Matt Blake’s skilled bass complement Tischleder’s thick guitar and raw singing.
“Bang The Drum” lands in the middle and enters folk territory amid Augest Ogren’s strategic percussion, while “Falling Down Like Rain” picks up the pace with a breezy, Americana album highlight that’s not short on melody and benefits much from Joe Peterson’s organ. “Marilyn Monroe” then displays Peterson’s piano prowess as jazz nods accent the slow burning landscape.
“Black Cadillac” arrives near the end and showcases Blake’s meticulous bass plucking that accents the gospel-ish climate which takes nods to the ‘50s, and “This Town” exits the listen with much beauty as warm acoustic guitar and Tischleder’s vocal acrobatics emit emotion, even pain, in a nearly cathartic demeanor.
Formerly of the duo James Curry, Tischleder’s got much skill and experience to his credit, and it’s hard not to think of legends like Springsteen and Waits when listening to his work, which I’m sure we can all agree is a very good thing.
Travels well with: Brad Byrd- Where Were You When The World Stopped?; Keith Curtis- Happiness Is Hard