Thomas Bryan Eaton – Last June (Single)

Like the fabric of America which is a blend of different cultures, voices, moods and experiences, Thomas Bryan Eaton manages to consistently pull off a sound that is uniquely American in every way.  Americana music can either be a sophomoric mishmash of sound or a deftly crafted work of art; the latter often exemplified by greats like Dave Alvin.

Aptly titled, “Last June” begins with a melancholy mixture of sound which doesn’t give the listener an indication of where the track is headed, often like the month of June.  Most summers begin with an air that has an essence of hope yet is filled with uncertainty.  To most, uncertainty or reminiscence of the lost love of last year, describes the experience that is June.  June is about new beginnings and for most brings back fond memories. This track is a venture into the entry of discovering the beginning of a new sound for Eaton. 

At the onset of the track each instrument exudes the impulsive and autonomous personality that is often associated with a couple of young hitchhikers trying to find their way along an old country highway.,   After the instruments begin to find their way, led by the strong percussion with a recognizable steel guitar done by Eaton the track starts to find its way.  One of the strengths of this track is the guitar solo also done by Eaton late in the song.

Though Eaton attempts to channel classic Americana which in this instance takes a long oft well travelled trip down the road to attempt expressing the age old tale of lost love, he takes a trip down a road which very quickly pulls the listener away from his skill and well- honed ability to tell a good story.  Unlike Eaton’s previous work which consistently, eloquently and succinctly conveys the experience that is distinctly and uniquely American, this track misses the mark.

In his previous work Eaton has revealed an ability that in this instance is discounted and overwhelmed throughout with a harmony that is intrusive and nearly comes close to the point of agitating.  This unnecessary addition comes close to losing the listener until the track is rescued by a guitar solo executed with the skill and complexity that has come to be the ever distinctive character that makes Eaton’s work unique, original and refreshing.

As he attempts to venture down an uncharted road, this track ultimately results in Eaton losing his sound.  This failed attempt eventually has the effect of taking a great artist with an excellent ability to tell a pleasant story to a point that is backwashed as a watershed off the Missouri river after a rainy spring season.

Rating: 2.5/5 Stars!

Album Name: Last June (Single)
Date Released: July, 2012
Genres: Americana, Acoustic, Blues, Country, Rock ‘n’ Roll
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Band Members: Thomas Bryan Eaton – Lead Vocals, Guitars, Percussion, Pedal Steel, Electric Bass; Rob Lundberg – Upright Bass; Jeff Malinowski, Helen Gassenheimer, Serena Jean – Harmony Vocals
Label: HCVS Records
Website: www.thomasbryaneaton.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ThomasBryanEaton

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