Anton O`Donnell is the frontman of Glasgow based rock and blues outfit Anton and the Colts. This month, he releases his debut solo album `Tomber Sur PRW` which when translated into English means `Falling On PRW`. PRW is Paisley Road West… the name of the street where he lives in Glasgow. It come together during the time of the global pandemic and is a fusion or blend of blues, country, folk, and rock n roll.
The album opens with `Kindness` which is a fairly laid back rootsy bluesy off kilter reflection on life that has the egotism of the Verve`s Richard Ashcroft and the swagger of The Black Crowes. Along route we enjoy some delightful backing harmonies and a dreamy guitar solo. We have a further bluesy slow burn with `Skullduggery` an supplementary surreal look on the seedier aspects of existence.
`Roots` appears to be a thoughtful, introspective reflection on times gone by and possibly remaining strong in times of trouble, heartache, and everything that`s thrown at you. A melancholic pedal steel adds a further poignancy to the number. We have a much more Americana come country-tinged offering in `Dreams Fade Under The Weight` which is kind of summed up in the title and has some captivating mandolin, fiddle, guitar chord riffs and supporting backing harmonies.
`Shine A Light` is a touching meditation of being there for someone in times of trouble and maybe putting into action the old adage of “a trouble shared is a trouble halved”. The addition of piano, cello and harmonica added a further sense and touch of tenderness and sympathy. We have a wonderfully upbeat and uplifting submission both lyrically and musically with `It Never Lasts` which is a “let`s just put our worries and troubles to one side for tonight, let our hair down and have a good time”.
`Set It On Fire` is possibly a reflection on the time associated with the global pandemic and seems to mirror the sense of frustration felt as the composition moves from observation to infuriation and searching for somebody to blame. We have in `Madman On The Loose` a strange tale of a day in the life of a lunatic or maybe it`s an analogy of something more profound. A number that rolls along with some enchanting trumpet shades which gives it a deeper edge or possibly a sense of impending inevitable doom.
The album closes out on `Django` which opens with some plaintive pedal steel shades which sets the tone for this tale of despair which is probably a metaphor on how not to live your life. A deeply emotive heart rendering listen.
Anton`s vison on `Tomber Sur PRW` was brought to life with the aid of some gifted musicians who comprised of John Deaderick on keys; Russ Pahl on pedal steel; Christian Pepin on congas and percussion; Scott Amendola and Derrek Phillips on drums, Roscoe Wilson on electric guitar and background vocals; Rob Ickes on dobro, Eamon McLoughlin on fiddle and mandolin, Mai Bloomfield on cello, Dennis Crouch on upright bass, Doug Lancio on slide guitar, electric guitar, mandolin and high string; Neil Rosengarden on trumpet, Swart on bass and electric guitar; and Shannon Hynes, Noriana Kennedy, Kelley Mickwee, and Alice Spencer on background vocals.
`Tomber Sur PRW` is a stunning debut album and leaves you with more questions than answers. Anton has a rich and varied vocal range which is put to good use on this diverse set of tracks. I don`t profess to understand all the many nuances of the lyrics shared but at least they give you food for thought.
Rating 8.5 /10
