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Surge and the Swell Offering Review by Gary Hill There is a great mainstream roots based rock sound here. The musical tapestry covers a good amount of territory within that general heading. This is a strong release that works well from start to finish. While there are a few songs that feel more like "also rans," there is nothing here that's weak or even close to it. There are some decidedly shining moments, too. This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2022 Volume 2. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2022.

Track by Track Review

Nights Are Long There is a healthy helping of roots music in the mix on this tune. The track has a great pop rock vibe. It has some solid hooks, too.

Surge and the Swell I dig the more rocking sound on this a lot. It is still a mainstream tune, but it's also so strong. It is all class.

Hard Work The organ lends some retro tastiness here. I dig the classic guitar solo, and the rather funky edge to the piece. This is another mainstream rocking song, but it's of a different flavor yet to the sounds of the two pieces that preceded it.

How Deep There is some country music in the mix this time around. It's another energetic and accessible number.

Gravity Boots The vocals bring a bit of that country edge to this one, too. That said, overall it's a pretty mainstream driving rocker. There is an excursion into reggae at the end of the tune.

Full in the Now This is a solid, if not standout, rocker. While it's nothing unexpected, it is catchy and has a good energy to it.

Mistakes A singer songwriter styled rocker, this is another that's good, but doesn't really standout.

Closing Doors More of a balladic tune, this has a country angle to it. I love the intricate instrumental work on this song.

Relate There is a bit of a Latin edge to this piece. It's another strong and catchy tune. This has some variety in place, and is one of the highlights of the set for me.

Hear Another singer songwriter styled tune, this is more of a power ballad. It is quite evocative and powerful.

One Long Conversation This balladic piece is quite evocative and pretty. It's a great choice to close the set.

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