Album Review // Tom Stu // Better Days

Self-released

4/5 staras

Beautiful, intimate, and wonderfully catchy, the debut album from Tom Stu (aka Tom Stuczynski) is impressive. I'd be hard-pressed to think of many other local releases that I'd rather hear around a campfire or a living room amongst friends and family. With just a few layers of acoustic guitars and some echoey vocal overdubs (not to mention a guest spot from his sister, the great Claire Stuczynski on the track "Beautiful Sky"), Stuczynski creates an inviting and rich atmosphere that you'll be happy to drop in on. This folky pop sound continues to captivate generations of singer-songwriters and it's easy to see why. Stuczynski's lyrics are nostalgic and sentimental, free of cynicism. One could trace his vocal delivery as a blend of Punk Goes Acoustic and John Mayer, Jack Johnson, or Dave Matthews, mixed with more modern sensibilities. With nine tracks totaling 38 minutes, it's a sweet, easy-to-digest meal that will leave you with a blissful aftertaste. For a relatively new artist, this album feels rustic and lived-in, with care and attention given to each note and phrase throughout.