It took several spins to solve the mysterious deja vu resulting from hearing singer/songwriter Jeff Eaton's (http://www.jeffeaton-music.com) raw, raspy voice. The influence is so obvious that anybody even vaguely familiar with the late Warren Zevon will punch themselves for not nailing it down sooner. Indeed, Eaton's vocals recall Zevon's. Lyrically, though, Eaton doesn't travel through Zevon's rocky roads; despite the sense of world-weariness in Eaton's voice, his words are generally calming and not cynical.
Most roots rock is fueled by liquor and heartbreak, but that is not the case with Eaton. On "Calling On Angels" and "Outside Your Door," Eaton wraps Americana in a spiritual context. Arguably the best track on the album, "Calling On Angels" is the kind of emotionally uplifting anthem that Christian radio stations devour. However, to limit it to the Christian crowd would be unfair; whatever your religious beliefs, the track is truly infectious.
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With jangling, ringing guitars, Eaton takes a no-frills approach; the added country elements in his sound suggest a Nashville-baked Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. Surprisingly, there are echoes of U2's "The Joshua Tree" here as well, especially when the songs really soar.
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