Franz NicolayThe (formerly) mustachioed ex-keyboardist for The Hold Steady and occasional touring Against Me! member continues merrily along his solo path with fourth album, To Us, The Beautiful.
Banjo-driven duet Talk To Him In Shallow Water runs closest to his previous output, but the majority is more traditional anthemic rock/punk fare with guitars at a premium and Nicolay at times vocally reminiscent of The Mountain Goats’ John Darnielle as he barks his thought-provoking diatribes. Earnest but heartfelt and laden with hooks, this is an ultimately fun excursion.
