|
|
Austin American-Statesman
Saturday, June 8, 2002
Life & Arts : Section D CD Reviews
Former Diamonds singer crafts a polished jewel
by Michael Corcoran
American-Statesman Staff
“American Breakdown” by Troy Campbell (M-Ray Records)
The former Loose Diamonds singer finds his voice on this atmospheric
gem, easily the best work of his career. On “Sad Truth,” there’s a
weariness in the tone as he just wants to go home, but the No. 16 bus is
always late. On the title track he’s told he’s taken the wrong route,
and on “The World Keeps On Ending” the road is dark and long and windows
turn into mirrors.
Producer/guitarist Gurf Morlix is introspection’s best friend: where
Campbell sometimes has a tendency to soar, Morlix keeps the sound
bubbling under. Campbell, meanwhile, sounds forceful without sounding
forced. “You still have your song/so true and clear/above this world
full of tears,” is the line that keeps coming back.
If Troy Campbell were on a major label, some publicist would be on the
line heralding “American Breakdown” as a “career album.” But since he
self-released this record that rolls on like the miles, I have to say it
for him.
Austin American-Statesman
Saturday, August 16, 2003
Troy Campbell's Soup Has Rock, Folk, Ballads
By Jeremy Egner
After making a name for himself fronting celebrated 90's root
rockers Loose Diamonds, Troy Campbell has embarked upon a solo career
that is predictable in its unpredictability. His first effort, Man
vs. Beast, was a departure from the singer's raucous past.
"Impressionistic" and "ethereal" were two of the more common critical
descriptions of the tranquil record, and Campbell has acknowledged that
it was a conscious effort to separate himself from Loose Diamonds.
Last year's widely praised "American Breakdown" found Campbell returning
to his traditional strengths, featuring rollicking, guitar-driven tracks
("Home After Dark"), aching ballads ("Sleeping Without You"), and even
Appalachian-flavored stomp ("Rosabelle"). Campbell, an inveterate
road warrior, plays his final Austin summer show before embarking on a
tour of the East Coast and Great Britain.
|
