The singer/songwriter gig is done quite a bit these days, but it's always refreshing to find someone who pulls it off in an original way. Twenty-year-old Ross Kyzar is one such artist.
Drawing from influences such as Elliot Smith, Denison Witmer, and Aaron Sprinkle, Kyzar still manages to find his own voice and set his songs apart from what others in his genre have done in the past. His independent status makes it absolutely necessary that he have something fresh to offer.
The music always has an acoustic guitar to guide the way. In addition, throughout the album other instruments are added to help his songs stand apart on their own. The songs range from the slow and contemplative "A Passing Season" to the upbeat "So Afraid," but they never fall into any kind of typical rut, thanks to the various rhythms and effects that Kyzar throws in to keep things interesting.
Perhaps what truly makes the album worth listening to are the lyrics. Ross Kyzar is not afraid to let his heart out in a song and express what he feels. Thus what we get is a very human album that runs the gamut of emotions, from happiness to sadness to loneliness to concern for someone else. The songs have feeling and depth. On "Around 5" Kyzar confesses his need for someone:
It must have been around 5:00
When I opened my eyes
And I really wanted you
But all I could do
Was close my eyes
And let my dreams help me through
On "Thursday Night" inadequacies are expressed:
I learned that night the mistake was mine
I knew at the time
It's so hard to live... and feel
The closing song and title track "Starting Over" brings the album to a perfect conclusion, both musically and lyrically:
Looking through the glass
It's carried all of me
Through what I've seen
These days
Always
Facing facts
Not writing back
To home
There's just something about the honesty and originality of Starting Over that keeps it in the CD player long after most albums would find their way back into their cases.
4.5 tocks
