‘On The Horizon’ weaves melancholy into melody like straw spun into gold.
by Jenn Bress
TJ Doyle Band’s sophomore release On the Horizon is brimming with a direct sincerity and faith in humanity. Doyle chronicles his morals and beliefs using harmonic choruses that sing out triumphantly full of positive gospel.
The TJ Doyle Band recorded On the Horizon at Studio City Sound with Grammy Award winning mixer Tom Weir who truly captures the delicate interplay of instruments that underscore the album. On the Horizon is fastened by the vulnerability of Doyle’s vocals that coo with an enigmatic and humble Neil Young charisma. Doyle writes powerful lyrics that are honest and stunningly forthright. It’s as if he’s reading pages from his diary while behind him, guitars bend and strum with the dainty restraint of rice paper flipped through fingers.
On ‘Cold Rain’ one of the darker tracks on the album, the guitar tones perfectly match the ominous lyrics, piano keys twinkle like raindrops and gospel like harmonies part the clouds of the track. This allows the listener to still retain a sense of hope, an effect that is constant throughout the album. The overarching positivity and sense of aspiration offers the album universal appeal. On the Horizon would be such a good pick me up for someone going through tough times or looking for a little inspiration.
‘Something for You’ is really the track that stands out most for me. The lyrics question our fast paced society but the song remains positive with the assertion that there really is something out there for everyone, no matter how overwhelming life can be. Yet again, a sense of positivity shines brightly throughout the song, but beams forth as the track’s chorus fans out in its exhilarating gospel choir style. With frank tenderness, ‘On The Horizon’ weaves melancholy into melody like straw spun into gold.
The TJ Doyle Band always retain an expectant faith that kindness is a human constant, no matter what darkness might loom in its midst.
Source: indiemunity