“It’s Not What You Make or Do, It’s How You’re Livingâ€
Tim Barry is one of those guys. In the spirit of Ben Nichols, Chuck Ragan, Micah Schnabel, and Michael Dean Damron, he can climb on stage and belt it out armed with only an acoustic guitar and sincerity. His songs are true, both to themselves and in practice. Like sermons, they alternatively tell stories and highlight Barry’s own philosophies on life. As the opening song “Things of the Fast†preaches, “well I’ve lived and learned and lord I’ve made it back†and “livings better when taking chances constantlyâ€. Other songs like, “Gabriel Posner†and “Downtown VCU,†tell stories. The former song is a historical narrative, the latter an ode to blue collar authenticity.
Though Barry’s signature sound of aggressively strummed acoustic guitars may come from his punk rock background (as the former Avail frontman), 28th and Stonewall is his third solo album and contains many musical surprises. Horns are featured on several songs, as are various string sessions and pianos. Like Lucero’s recent 1372 Overton Park, 28th and Stonewall is everything you expect from an artist, but with a whole new set of influences present. “Moving On Blue†sounds like a classic Barry vocal/lyric, but is piano-led and prominently features a string section in its final section. Folk Punk? Or just badass rock and roll? There’s really only one answer.
RIYL:Â Against Me, Lucero, Two Cow Garage, Chuck Ragan
About the author: Specializes in Dead, Drunk, and Nakedness..... Former College Radio DJ and Current Craft Beer Nerd