Reviews
Greg Laswell
Through Toledo
by Dawn St John
Through Toledo is the second album from singer/songwriter Greg Laswell. His songs are heartfelt and melodic, carrying a "band" sound, despite his being a solo artist.
The CD starts soft, with the barely perceptible intro to the first single, "Sing, Theresa Says." The song, written for Laswell's late grandmother, may not be the most musically intricate song on the album, its lyrics and Laswell's captivating voice hold the listener's attention all the way through to the outro, where the drums - barely noticeable until their conspicuous disappearance - drop out and leave us with nothing but the hypnotic guitar melody.
Each song brings a little something different to the table. From the faster beat of "Amazed," to the misleadingly singsong "Do What I Can" and the haunting, piano-driven "High and Low" (a personal favorite), Greg Laswell shows his audience that he is not to be stuck in any one mold for very long. Style-wise, he resembles Dave Matthews at times, Coldplay at others, but always with healthy doses of his own sound. With "Long Way Around", he proves that along with the more diverse tunes, he can also play a more pop sound, without giving way to the boring.
Overall, Through Toledo rates a 7 out of 10. It carries a definitive rock sound, nestled comfortably in the middle of the spectrum - not too in-your-face, and not too pop-heavy. Greg Laswell is a wonderful vocalist whose lyrics seem to genuinely come from the heart. Musically, the guitars and drums work together to create a backdrop for Laswell's performance, and the CD contains just the tiniest dose of piano, used so sparingly that it really calls attention to itself when it is used.
The album hits stores on July 11, 2006.