Jeff Caudill used to front the California punk band Gameface in the 90’s before re-inventing himself as a singer/songwriter. He may have traded that sound for an acoustic guitar, but he’s still writing very melodic songs, now mixing pop, country and Americana. The genres may be miles away from punk, but play some Gameface back to back with this record, and it feels like a natural progression. It just feels like he’s grown up, shed the teenage angst and embraced life.
The six songs on “Reset the Sun”, which Caudill describes as his first non-autobiographical record, have a laid-back vibe, even on the uptempo tracks. There’s peacefulness and wisdom in the music, and a sense of optimism that makes you want to hit the road headed to anywhere. That’s not to say that it’s always a cheerful record, but even in its brooding moments, it’s never pessimistic.
Sometimes alone with his guitar, other times backed by a band, Caudill’s arrangements are finely crafted, never burdening the songs with unnecessary elements. The songs at times remind me of 90’s rock, in a good way. I can imagine myself sitting on the porch on a warm summer evening, looking at the stars, with a drink in hand and this album in my ears. Good stuff.
He's also a regular contributor at the excellent news site Montreal Rampage
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