Thibaud, Todd
Alchemy
Unlike his album *Hill West*, released seven years ago and produced with a very restrained sound, Todd Thibaud's new album *Alchemy* contains hardly any quiet, reflective, acoustic Americana tones. On the contrary, it's loud, full-on electric guitar rock, recorded with a suitably equipped five-piece band! With its loud, dynamic sound, catchy guitar riffs, and rocking band arrangements, this is music with a clear pop/rock mission and a first-class mix of West Coast, Heartland, and Prairie rock, based on solid singer-songwriter traditions and melodious indie roots/guitar pop. Thus, *Alchemy* possesses the fundamental virtues of all the Heartbreakers, Wallflowers, Jayhawks, BoDeans, and Gin Blossoms, with a healthy dose of Springsteen, Mellencamp, Hiatt, and the like.