Brian Fallon - “21 Days”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 9; Popularity Index: 8

Pairs Well With…Dawes, Jason Isbell, The Gaslight Anthem

The Gaslight Anthem’s Brian Fallon has been honing an acoustic rock/alt-country approach to his music since breaking off from his main unit five year’s back, but none as successful as his just-released record Local Honey. Fallon has always stood out for his heartfelt, classic rock songwriting and he lays that emotive stance over a sweet bed of Americana on Local Honey, razor tight but still emitting the comfort of a back-porch yarn. Fallon writes of love and loss on Local Honey, opening up in relatable vulnerability with patience and grace. Heavy on nostalgia and reflection, these songs sound downright timeless even on first listen, perfectly crafted and lushly and intently produced. While Fallon’s two previous records Painkillers and Sleepwalkers feel like a bridge between The Gaslight Anthem’s harder rock anthems and his homegrown roots, Local Honey is all-in and is arguably the strongest front-to-back release in his prolific catalog. (Kevin McStravick)