The frontman for The Hold Steady takes a break from the band and steps out into new horizon’s on his first solo album Clear Heat Full Eyes. The Friday Night Lights inspired album title has little to do with the former Television program, but more to do with a direction that Finn takes in these singer/songwriter-ish songs.

The subject’s of Finn’s songs are similar to the Hold Steady material, except they’re more sad, tragic and without hope. The instrumentation is also a bit different than what we’re used to, trading in the bar-rock for flourishes of country, indie, and bluesy rock.

The inaugural track, “Apollo Bay” sets the listener up for the unique experience that Clear Heart offers; with it’s swampy-sound, Deliverance may have a new theme (damn I hate those banjos). “No Future” is recorded in much of the vein of the Hold Steady’s sound, but could have easily come from a Velvet Underground record. “Terrified Eyes” has two  middle-aged, scared to death, protagonist’s dealing with life the best way they can. “Rented Room” is a single man’s lament of a once fruitful relationship, and what else is there to do in a rented room, than to reminisce about it.

If there is anything that these hopeless songs deliver is that while in the moment they may bemoan threatening and disconsolate conditions, but together in a room with these songs and people to share it with, the future won’t be as bleak.

If we’re not blessed with a new Hold Steady album this year, Clear Heart will make a more than fine substitute, but still it’s more than that, it’s one of the best records of the year.

Album Rating: Buy It on CD or Vinyl

Listening Co-efficient: Passive Listen

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