Chuck Ragan - Till Midnight

Chuck Ragan’s very much a singer-songwriter where what you see is what you get. The gravel-throated Hot Water Music frontman has been forging a career as a forthright, heart on his sleeve solo artist for the best part of a decade and on fourth full length ‘Till Midnight’ Ragan doesn’t stray far from that same path. On opening track ‘Something May Catch Fire’ Ragan’s at his gruff voiced, sing-along best. When he sings “I can’t say when I’ll get home”, on ‘Bedroll Lullaby’, it’s impassioned and honest.

Despite ‘Till Midnight’ bearing his name, Ragan owes a lot to backing band The Camaraderie. Bassist Joe Ginsberg and drummer David Hidalgo (of Social Distortion) drive the record forward, ensuring that feet are tapping throughout. Meanwhile John Gaunt’s intricate fiddle melodies and interludes add colour and flair to proceedings, bringing the album to a whole new level musically.

While ‘Till Midnight’ does move Ragan forward as an artist on first listen there’s still a sense of familiarity. The themes of family and distance will be recognisable to fans of Chuck’s solo work, as well as Hot Water Music’s material. ‘Till Midnight’ might not be the most groundbreaking album, largely treading a path that has been well worn over the years, but few people do impassioned, rustic folk rock as well as Chuck.