The nom de guerre “Tall Dark Stranger” evokes mystery and intrigue. You wonder if this person is a drifter, a person on the run, or a person that danger follows closely. All those elements are on display in Tall Dark Stranger’s “There it is”. The 11-song set opens with the guitar anthem “Psychic Surgery”, a song about flirtation with a vague source of danger and temptation. The song is laden with crunchy guitars and purposefully mysterious lyrics that leave you wondering what the singer is searching for, and if he even knows. It leaves the mind to wonder, and wander, about the various possibilities of unfulfillment the singer is struggling with.
The album adds to the intrigue by taking a turn from the cutting guitar rock with the next three songs that feature more 80’s style rhythms and arrangements. The album keeps adding unexpected elements, switching styles throughout. Tall Dark Stranger could just as easily be call “Jack of All Trades.” There is no settling for predetermined genres or styles, just an artist who presents a different side of himself at every chance. This album could be labeled unfocused by some, but that’s part of its charm. Listeners will never be bored. It is the definition of an artist being unencumbered by genres and fitting into a specific shape. Tall Dark Stranger truly made a gritty, powerful and rocking album and said “There It Is.”
Overall, the album has some great guitar work, spot on vocals, and heartfelt lyrics. The album is loaded with quirky word choices and vivid imagery. A quick glance through the song titles and you will find “Psychic Surgery”, “Solar System”, “Watery Hands”, and “Center of the Universe.” High points on the album are Psychic Surgery and the ballad White Gold.
Overall Rating: 1/2
3 1/2 of 5 Stars
By Ryan Chilton
For B’s RSM Promotions
Ryan Chilton is a freelance writer for B’s RSM Promotions
and the songwriter/vocalist/guitarist for band The Faretheewells.
http://facebook.com/thefaretheewells
Tall Dark Stranger’s “There It Is” LP is Available here:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/talldarkstranger
Tall Dark Stranger Links:
Website: http://www.talldarkstranger.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TDSrocks
ReverbNation: http://www.reverbnation.com/talldarkstranger
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/goTDSgo
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TDS_rocks
