Robert Rex Waller Jr. – the singer/songwriter at the helm of country rockers I See Hawks In L.A. for the past couple decades – honors some of his prodigious roots with this solo effort. Robert’s musical interpretations take you back to a different corner of classic country; when the sound was orchestrated, big and often bawdy. His voice resonates with red dirt and is driven by subtle but also powerful emotion. His take on The Walker Brothers “The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore” potently launches the disc with comforting hooks. He injects a country-fried jolt into the Everly Brothers’ foot-stomper “Amanda Ruth,” complete some killer guitar licks. Bruce Springsteen’s “Tougher Than The Rest” is a true heart render, and makes you think of what it may have been like if the “Boss” was from Nashville instead of Jersey. The varied versions here tend to mirror Robert’s own musical idiosyncrasies, which is a good thing considering his talents and the chops of those he surrounds himself with on this excellent disc. – MW
