The dismembered mannequin on the cover might be twisted, but Jason Quicksall's debut album, A Touch Broken
has a wholesome feel to it. Overall the album is cool and graceful as the first track suggests.
Opening as a great road trip soundtrack, the album sets the mood for something fresh, yet familiar - and then comes full circle with a luscious ballad to which to drive home.
An up-and-coming singer/songwriter from Columbus, Quicksall has the all-American folk-blues-rock triple threat that just might take him somewhere.
Some songs, like the second track, Maybe Tomorrow are your average guy-in-a-coffee-shop acoustics, but that's OK. His catchy, upbeat melodies paired with expressive lyrics put a thoughtful spin on things. And, if Howie Day can make it, who can't?
A soulful stream resonates throughout the album, with vocals similar to rising star Amos Lee - especially in the foot-tapping serenade of Never Be Another.
The addition of a haphazard piano background in Suffer Through the Silence adds light n'edgy blues. Save Your Lies
the fifth track, is the hook that has been stuck in my head all week. Cause trust and lust has left from what was once too much smoke and screwing
now I'm blue
are not the lyrics to expect from a completely upbeat tune that you'd sing at a karaoke bar. Tick Tock
is another light look at the pangs of love. Heartache doesn't have to be boring.
On his MySpace profile, Quicksall thanks the six women he's loved for their musical inspiration. And I would like to thank them too.
Quicksall's versatility is his best asset. He could easily channel his ballads to the radio like Jason Mraz or another be-bopping guitarist. But his gems are the laid-back, rock spurts spritzed throughout the album, such as Save Your Lies.
Let's hope his live performance this weekend is as easy to cuddle up to as the CD.
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Ellie Behling
