Joe
Michael Kulbago – The Road To Nowhere (Independent)
Born and raised in Northeast Ohio, and now living in
Georgia, Joe Michael Kulbago has played guitar, on and off, since his High
School days, ‘enjoyed’ a short stint managing a band, and grew up on a musical
diet of ‘60s pop, ‘70s rock and classic country. Within the last few years he’s
returned to music – playing guitar, songwriting and recording – and “The Road
To Nowhere” is his second collection.
Though obviously not a big budget affair, the
recording is clear and bright with a full instrumental sound. There’s an
Americana feel to the material, with country and folk music providing much of
the impetus, though with a sprightly, indie edge, which brings to mind the
rootsier Paisley Underground bands of the ‘80s – The Long Ryders and Green On
Red, in particular.
The album begins with its title track, a high,
lonesome saunter along the road in question, underpinned by echoing percussion
and Kulbago’s lost-boy lyrics. It’s an exceptionally good start and wouldn’t
sound out of place on a David Lynch soundtrack. Final cut “Want Your Love”
displays many of the same qualities, but in between there’s no shortage of
first-rate tracks.
“The Storm” uses bad weather as a metaphor, which is
hardly original, but still works very well, anyhow. “The
Fight” combines Kulbago’s guitar and yearning vocal with a slow and purposeful
piano backing, and the effect is both moving and quite timeless. And not
forgetting the upbeat, garage(y) “Life of Regrets”,
which somehow joins the dots between The Byrds and Jonathan Richman.
Phil S.
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