Todd Hearon – Impossible Man (2024)
Todd Hearon’s third album, Impossible Man, marks a bold evolution in his already acclaimed folk songwriting career. Moving beyond the pure folk traditions that have defined his previous work, this new release sees him embracing a more rootsy, Americana folk-rock sound with his North Carolina-based team lending their talents throughout the record. Blending traditional roots music with contemporary Americana and Indie rock vibes, Impossible Man glances at Hearon’s growing range and ambition as an artist.
The album opens with ‘Dead Man’s Cove’, immediately establishing Hearon’s deep, raspy voice as a key instrument in his storytelling. His ability to paint vivid scenes with his vocals is one of the standout features of the album, and ‘A Dark Place’ serves as another perfect example where he channels a Nick Cave-like intensity. Both songs lean heavily on acoustic guitar, enriched by touches of pedal steel and other rootsy instruments. Hearon’s voice weaves through these textures with ease capturing a haunting but intimate mood.
As Impossible Man unfolds, it reveals itself as a deeply narrative album. Each track is a vignette telling stories of struggle, self-reflection, and quiet resilience. While the themes often dip into darker territory exploring the feeling of “bottoming out”, the music offers a sense of spaciousness and resolution. The album avoids falling into monotony, although the songs do sometimes veer toward a similar sonic palette. Nevertheless, Hearon’s lyrical craftsmanship keeps the listener engaged allowing them to dip in and out of the album’s emotional depths.
Other stand-out tracks include the reflection of a breakup in captivating lyricism in ‘Guillotine’, the soul-stirring offering of ‘Too Deep To Feel The Bottom’, and the optimistic tones on ‘Looking For A Friend’.
The musicianship on Impossible Man is another highlight. Don Dixon’s bass lines provide a steady backbone, while Peter Holsapple’s contributions on piano, Mellotron and accordion add depth and texture. Rob Ladd’s drumming keeps the rhythms tight but unhurried, matching the overall mood of the record. Sam Wilson’s electric guitar and pedal steel create atmospheric layers often providing the emotional punctuation for Hearon’s vocal delivery.
Produced and mixed by Don Dixon, the album benefits from a clean, organic production that lets the instruments breathe. The Fidelitorium Recordings studio in Kernersville lends a warmth and authenticity to the sound, further enhanced by Tim Phillips’ mastering. The design, featuring a cover photo by Jilly Bennett, perfectly complements the album’s rustic and reflective nature.
In Impossible Man, Todd Hearon manages to strike a balance between the introspective songwriting of traditional folk music and the more expansive sound of modern Americana. It’s a thoughtful, well-crafted record that invites the listener to linger in its spaces, offering a sense of both darkness and light. Hearon’s journey as an artist continues to unfold, and this latest chapter is a rich, rewarding listen.
Find out more about Todd Hearon on his official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
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