Chuck Ragan – Till Midnight

Some time in the last few years it became cool for old punk rockers to ditch the band, pick up an acoustic guitar and go all folk troubadour on our asses.  It’s probably not that much of a leap to believe that this trend was inspired by Chuck Ragan and the Revival Tour, his touring acoustic shows that feature everyone from punk singers to bluegrass to country.  By creating a sense of community around these shows Ragan has turned a great idea into a yearly event that many look forward to.  This event has also seen him releasing several acoustic records and the latest, Till Midnight, hit our shelves earlier this year.

Those of you familiar with Ragan’s acoustic based output will know what to expect from Till Midnight.  This is Americana with a punk rock heart.  Whether it be the fast paced simplicity of “Revived” or the Springsteen vibes of “Gave My Heart Out” you can’t help but fall in love with this music.  It revels in it’s simplicity and as Chuck sings his way through tracks like the gentle “Wake With You” in his gruff 50 a day voice, you can understand why this punk goes folk malarky has truly taken off.

Now as I’ve said this is a simple album and in many ways it’s in that simplicity that it makes itself so great, but it does mean it feels a bit light-weight.  If you don’t like this kind of music this isn’t the album that is going to change your mind and if you find it self-indulgent, the likes of “Whistleblower’s song” with it’s strong religious vibes is unlikely to make you think different.  However, there’s no denying that it also music that is built for the Revival Tour.  It’s meant to be experienced in the live environment with a range of characters popping on and off stage in that magic way that is so unique to that tour.

Till Midnight is a great listen that will please those already in love with Ragan’s acoustic offering and possibly grab a few more into that world.  Ragan has firmly established himself as a solo guy and he is pulling it off with style.

For Fans of: Bruce Springsteen, Frank Turner

Choice Cuts: Revived, Something May Catch Fire