TONY SLY continues to illustrate his songwriting prowess with the release of his second full-length solo
album, Sad Bear. Tony’s somewhat recent foray into recording as a solo artist has proven to be every bit as
fruitful as his 20+ years fronting the legendary punk band No Use For A Name. On his own, Tony trades
in the signature electric guitars and aggressive rhythms of NUFAN for a more subdued approach, featuring
acoustic instruments and highlighted by his captivating melodies. Sad Bear notes a strong progression
from Tony’s first solo outing with an increased emphasis on varied instrumentation that, while robust,
somehow delicately plays off Tony’s soothing vocals. As a master of transcribing personal experiences and
bemusements into transcendent verse, it follows that the lyrical content of Sad Bear is nothing short of
poetic. The songs range from folk to pop, with many genre defying moments in between, but are all sewn
together seamlessly with the common thread of innovative and dexterous craftsmanship. Sad Bear serves
as a prism that reflects the spectrum of Tony’s songwriting influences including such varied artists as The
Beatles, Iron and Wine, Coner Oberst, and Elliot Smith. To further develop the aural layers of the album,
Tony utilizes the vocal capabilities of Karina Deniké (Dance Hall Crashers) and Joey Cape (Lagwagon) to
complement his own. As a whole, the intriguing and unforgettable songs on Sad Bear are a triumphant next
step in TONY SLY’s burgeoning solo career.
|
