Carl Anderson - “Empty Feeling”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 7

Pairs Well With…Phosphorescent, Jason Isbell, Robert Ellis

Carl Anderson is a rock-solid alt-country artist, twisting his sound with indie folk roots, some psychedelic rock/pop stylings, and classic rock minded songwriting. The Nashville singer-songwriting shares a nice mix of smooth and grit on his 2019 EP You Can Call Me Carl and a trio of follow-up tracks that broaden his sound since debuting in 2016 with LP Risk of Loss. There’s a nostalgic sweetness to tracks like “Best I Can” and road-ready rambler “Empty Feeling”, employing timeless models but adding just enough DIY humph to give Anderson’s sound some soulful rock and roll urgency. (Kevin McStravick)