The acoustic trend wave continues! That was my first thought when I heard that Tony Sly, frontman of No Use for a Name, is releasing a solo album. Does everyone who can hold a guitar really have to release an acoustic album now?
Well, Tony Sly is not just anyone, and No Use for a Name is not just some basement band, but one of the California punk bands that has had a loyal following for years.
So I gave this record a chance. And lo and behold, it was worth it!
The songs that Tony has intoned with his guitar and voice are very personal songs that touch you. These are songs where you think, “Yes, I feel that way sometimes too.” That is the strength of the songs; they come from pure life.
Tony's voice comes across crystal clear and fits very well with the respective songs. Where it should sound yearning, it sounds yearning, and where it should sound friendly, it sounds that way too. Tony manages to enchant with his voice and create a unique atmosphere. His sometimes melancholic songs fit very well with the dark season, where you make yourself comfortable with a glass of red wine and dream away.
It doesn't even matter that the record loses a bit of quality towards the end.
With “12 Song Program,” Tony Sly has created a little acoustic gem that he is also presenting live in Europe these days.
