The country rock field is a crowded one these days, but it takes a special talent to synthesize the genres in an accessible manner. And I’m pleased to announce that Dan Kibler possesses such a skill. Striking a perfect balance between the two styles, he slaps a refreshing spin on his well written songs.
Bold and bright instrumentation, teeming with energy and hooks fastened tight in all the right places are the tasty traits ingrained in the Pennsylvania resident’s material.
No virgin to the music business, Dan has been plying his trade since the 1980s, both as a band member and solo artist. This disc stands as his fourth solo venture, and really should do the trick as far as widespread recognition and success is concerned. Each track on Dan Kibler (Kool Kat Musik) is simply begging and pleading to be beamed across the airwaves.
Layers of spangly chords and punchy harmonies furnish “The Misunderstood” with a strapping southern fried power pop slant, “When Johnny Comes Home” steps in as a driving country rocker and “Never Good News” sparkles and soars with kicking breaks and melodies.
Pedal steel guitars converse peacefully with electric guitars, while the keyboard work is catchy and the drumming is solid and steady. Dan’s fluid vocals twang with emotion, and there’s not a minute of downtime to be found on the album. The tunes move with grace and precision.
Fans of the Zombies will smile upon hearing Dan’s glimmering cover of “I Can’t Make Up My Mind,” and then there’s other instantly memorable numbers like “Is It True” and “Rock ‘N’ Roll Rome” that are delivered with earnest feelings.
Country on top, rock in the middle and power pop around the edges, Dan Kibler promises something for everybody. A five star review from me!
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