By: William Clark
Thom Chacon is proving, more and more, to be exactly what modern day roots rock needs the most.
Combining the dynamic influences of Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Neil Young, Thom first introduced himself back in 2010 with his debut album, Featherweight Fighter. Soon after he began to capture the world’s attention with his nostalgic, classic folk rock sounding music. The combination of gritty, bluesy vocals, powerful acoustic guitar, and screaming harmonica playing which powerfully override, Thom’s style immediately appealed to the fans of melodic, melancholic classic rock.
Now, Thom is back with new studio record, this one just called Thom Chacon, and just as the title implies this new album holds some of the most powerfully personal music that Thom has put out to date.
This album starts off with “Innocent Man”, and immediately you just can’t ignore the nearly overpowering Neil Young influences. Standout, complementary harmonica playing, is backed by comforting acoustic guitar and drum work, while Thom adds a dominate, bluesy rasp into his voice that when it reaches a higher octave, sounds very imitative of The Boss.
There are volumes of emotion mixed in when Thom sings, which at times can bring comforting joy, and in other moments, a deep and sudden sadness. And when it comes to his lyrics, you would almost think Neil is writing them himself! “Man, your life ain’t worth living/ Ten years taken away/ Served my lord and my country/ They didn’t see it that way/ I’m standing on what’s right/ And I know who I am/ God as my witness, I’m an innocent man”.
While Thom clearly is channelling some dynamic influences into his music, he’s also adding his own unique style onto this new record, which is one quality that makes him stand out even more, compared to some other Bob Dylan wannabe or impersonator.
For any established Thom Chacon fan, picking up this album should be an involuntary motion, no second thoughts on this one.. For the listener who’s a fan of the classic rock stylings of Tom Petty, Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen, and the like, then this is definitely worth an album to prize.
Track Listing
1.) Innocent Man
2.) American Dream
3.) Juarez, Mexico
4.) A Life Beyond Here
5.) Chasing The Pain
6.) Alcohol
7.) Ain’t Gonna Take Us Alive
8.) Big River
9.) Amy
10.) No More Trouble
11.) Bus Drivin’ Blues
12.) Grant County Side
