In Jack Browning’s debut album, “Red Eye Radio,” a multitude of elements come into play. The record is intentionally interspersed with distorted voices, creating the sensation of wrestling with the FM dial during the wee hours of a midnight journey.
While Browning clearly aims to craft a textured and contemplative record, there are moments when he also seeks to share something more raw and instinctual. This noticeable shift in production can be jarring at times, leaving the overall auditory experience feeling slightly adrift in its purpose.
Nevertheless, Browning presents these diverse styles with the wisdom and discernment of a seasoned songwriter, defying the expectations of a debut album. The whimsical, spaghetti-western nostalgia evoked in tracks like ‘The Family Guns’ and ‘Blue Eyed Son’ seamlessly transitions into the introspective waltz of ‘You Can’t Love Me Anymore’, a song that could easily be a hidden gem in Vincent Neil Emerson’s growing repertoire.
While the unfiltered sincerity of ‘Keroscene’ and ‘Word To The Wise’ may be a touch too direct, ‘Dog Tired’ exhibits a more astute and striking approach. Browning’s languid delivery embodies the exhaustion familiar to us all in a perpetually spinning world. The subsequent unvarnished blues jam of ‘Ain’t Mean Much to Me’ illustrates how Browning adeptly navigates between musical styles without compromising the inherent strength of his songwriting.
“Red Eye Radio” marks a promising debut, positioning Browning well for whichever artistic direction he chooses to pursue next. Undoubtedly, it will be a challenging creative decision, but Browning undeniably possesses the potential to craft something even more refined in his sophomore effort.
