Mitch Eubanks - Tiger

Mitch Eubanks

Tiger
self-released; 2015

3.6 out of 5

By Megan Gazzo

Mitch Eubanks new solo album Tiger is acoustic and independent.. His lyrics are vulnerable and dreamy. I enjoy the first track because the back up singers and xylophone sound bring a child like joyfulness to what might otherwise just be a sappy love song. The lyrics are sweet and literal. He almost embodies an Elliot Smith sentiment but less emotionally downtrodden. His voice is lifted and hopeful. Guitar strumming is simple and dusted with twinkling xylophone. Each song is actually quite short, not trying to overdo it. 

The song "Breaks My Heart" gives us a peek into the more soulful, folky sounding elements of Eubanks’ voice rather than just the high soprano. He is from North Carolina, therefore the country influence. The guitar remains dance-y and fancy-free and there is a slight tambourine in the background. Simplicity is the name of the game in this album. The song "You and Me" brings a more dense, emotionally charged pulling of memories of lost love or current love hardships to the surface. It is that good mix of beautiful and almost too painful to listen to. It has a waltz rhythm and is a fit song to slow dance to. I am sure I will hear this one on some sappy Redbox movies soon enough. It tends to lighten toward the end of the song but not by much. It's deep - let’s just say that.  

"Daisy Chain" brings back the upbeat new love sensation that we all crave. It is a knee thumper and is good for a circle around the fire. I enjoy the infusion of whistling and the guitar solos. This song is sweet and melodic. His voice is really quite fragrant like jasmine. The acoustic rhythms are consistent and danceable. This whole album makes me want to just jump into my pick up truck and drive down the back country roads on a starry night with my dog by my side in the front. It gives a feeling of nostalgia because it is so comforting and familiar.

The album ends with the song "Every Little Thing" which keeps making me think it is moving into that song by Tim McGraw. I do believe he was perhaps influenced by Tim McGraw, further exemplifying that he does in fact have a country influence.

This album is just country enough, and just indie enough to make it a unique piece that is worth a listen. I imagine it would be a bigger hit amongst country loving folks though for certain. I enjoy its folky nature and the consistency of the album. It remains love focused and poetic. Even just the titles of the songs "Where We Were" and "You and Me" point at the fact that perhaps there was a special lady, maybe even one he has known from back home, that is inspiring each and every breath that Eubanks put into this album. 

I think that Eubanks couldn't change a thing about this album to make it any more real or expressive for him, because I can feel that he is truly being transparent in lyrics and vocals - opening his heart up and allowing the listener to take a peek into his soft vulnerable side. If he is heartbroken from this chick though, I just know if he continues to write these sappy sensitive songs he will have all the ladies chasing after him at all times. It is funny because the album is entitledTiger but nowhere in here do I get the vibe of a big intense cat. Maybe the Tiger is who he appears to be on the outside, but from the sounds of it on the inside he's just a kitten.

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