This album has taken a while to digest. After seeing Strand of Oaks in Austin, I knew that Tim Showalter had moved Strand of Oaks towards a more dyanamic band. But I seem to remember that set in Austin as really rocking, with fists pumping and high fives flying. That being said, I was half in the bag when they hit the stage and I was fired up to hear the new songs. Or maybe I caught The Sword and got confused with all the long hair.
Dark Shores might not be as rocking as I recollect that Austin set to have been. What it is though; is a wonderfully constructed album that owes as much to Tim’s wonderful writing as to David Vanderslice’s production work. Tim has taken to the full band concept like a fish to water with a wide variety of
The dark and haunting title track is tremendous. I love how Tim and Vanderslice utilize a strong backbeat to keep the tune moving forward. And towards the end, when Tim’s vocals are looping. I mean c’mon. What’s better than Tim singing? Two Tims singing.
The anger in Last Grain is fantastic as it explores the economic collapse. Tim’s vocals are raw and there is no glossing them up. The chorus of “Its impossible to leave but we can’t stay here,” packs a major league wallop.
Tim has one of the most powerful and unique voices that has been introduced in the last few years. A couple of years back, it filled up Central Presbyterian in a late night set that left me in a haze as I left the church. He’s also a unique individual that has become a true friend of all of us at HearYa. We look forward to his releases with great anticipation as in addition to loving his music, we so desperately want him to succeed. I’m happy to say that Tim has delivered the goods here. Go buy it here . You won’t be dissapointed.
