Review of Another Breakdown Single by Jeff Klein

Jeff Klein – Another Breakdown

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Jeff Klein – Another Breakdown (released 02.06.03)

The Austin based singer-songwriter has created a debut album, ‘Everyone Loves A Winner’ that he claims is pretty optimistic, but only in the sense that “no matter how bad things are, everything could probably still be worse”.

‘Another Breakdown’ is the first single to be taken from the album,with both releases surprisingly available on the same day (02.06.03). Klein soundsas though he has been smoking glass, with his lacerating vocal evoking the sandpaperlarynx of Tom Waits. He shares with Malin, the desire to break away from thetraditionally acoustic confines of singer-songwriters, by embellishing the country-tingedtune with some squalling guitar.

The bonus tracks showcase both sides of Klein’s songwriting style, ‘WeWere 6 And 9’ is a beautifully simple song, all whispered vocal, pedalsteel, and subtle acoustic guitar. Conversely, ‘Ballad Of The Average WhiteBoy Part II’ is Klein’s primal scream therapy after the constraintsof gentle country rock.

Jeff Klein – Another Breakdown  @ www.contactmusic.com

Touring the UK recently as the support act for Jesse Malin, Klein easily won over audiences with his deadpan wit and emotive songwriting. ‘Another Breakdown’ sets a very high standard for the album to follow, but it would be no surprise if it enabled Klein to find a much larger audience of his own very soon.

Gavin Eves

Contactmusic