Ed Ryan – Even Time

From the opening guitar jangle of the title track, Ed Ryan’s Even Time had my attention. And while the single (if there is still such a thing) is a charming song, I wasn’t prepared for how good the rest of the album is. There are pop hooks in abundance and as my Long Island relatives would say, “the guitars are to die for”.

Speaking of pop hooks, pretty much the entirety of “I’ve Got the Smile” is one gigantic hook. I love the acoustic beginning leading into the firecracker at the 46 sec mark. “Make It Through the Night” starts out as a rocker before it recedes into this reggae/ska vibe then back again. It feels like something David Johansen would do. While these songs would be catchy in the raw, it’s these seemingly minor touches that make them sparkle even more.

Remember Jason and The Scorchers? Well, until now no one ever kicked ass harder. When you hear “Never Lied to You” you’ll understand what I’m talking about. Hell, the guitars even sound like the Scorchers’ Warner Hodges. And the repetitive chorus makes you want to shout along. Damn, this is good.

Ed Ryan’s Even Time is another excellent Kool Kat Musik release. If you love that 70’s-80’s guitar sound, GET IT HERE.