During this current political cycle of the 2016 presidential election the term “overload” as a summary of our collective feelings here in the USA is euphemistic to say the least. Chris Luciani, a New Jersey singer/songwriter seems to be a prime example of a man who has stumbled into the right time at the right place with his aptly titled Overload release. After all, just when we feel we’ve had enough and can’t take anymore with what life has thrown on us during these crazy times, lo and behold, another ton of detritus is tossed upon our aching backs.
Overload is just what the doctor ordered to take our attention off these troubling and tumultuous times. It’s an album with five songs that range from quiet ballads to rising anthems to relax the weary soul and distract us from the unrelenting insanity that day after day seems to be tearing our world apart. And brothers and sisters do we ever need it now.
Chris has a soothing tenor voice. His control of vocal dynamic allows him to go from a whisper to a roar is as notable as his crisp phrasing and sharp enunciation (it’s refreshing to be able to understand all the words in a song). Compounded, along with his command of pitch and what you have is the proverbial hammer meeting the waiting nail squarely on the head. Bada-boom-bada-bing!
He’s no slouch as a tunesmith either. Overload and All My Life both are carefully crafted pop songs. The former is the raging rocker and the latter the pensively down tempo soul searcher. The same may be said about Distant Memories and Empty Hearts. Paradox, the only other cut on Overload, lies somewhere in between in regard to tempo and emotion.
It’s nice to have something to help us take our attention off our troubles that isn’t addictive, illegal or destructive and Overload manages to succeed in taking our minds off the messes we’re muddling through during our day to day troubles. So take a little hit of Chris Luciani and let him take you to your happy place. It may be the best pause that refreshes for the rest of the year.
http://www.chrisluciani.com
RIYL: Ben Folds Five/John Legend/Alisha Keys/Bruno Mars
