H R H - R E V I E W S

Jason Vigil
Heart Gone Sober Independent

Comments: Jason Vigil, a singer/songwriter out of Colorado, releases his debut album Heart Gone Sober. If you haven't heard of it yet, that's because it hasn't gotten much help from a big label or radio. However, if the preliminary reports are any indication, you'll be hearing from Jason soon. Heart Gone Sober has been met with much excitement in his hometown of Fort Collins. With a little promotional help, this album will find its way into many hearts across the country.

With a pop/rock sound and a slight folk rock flavor, there is a definite energy to this album even if it doesn't immediately slap you in the face. The production on this album is decent and very fitting to the music style. Jason mixes clean electric guitar tones with fuzzy, light distortion guitar to build a full layered music bed. The bass is full sounding and the drums are full, but not overpowering. They leave room nicely for the vocals to shine through.

Jason is one of those artists that uses the written lyric to carry the song. This doesn't mean the music isn't just as good. In fact a good mix of music and lyrics like this is extremely hard to find these days.

There is a definite Rob Thomas/Matchbox 20 sound in Jason's music, with some Andy Taylor flavoring with a little bit of Head Automatica sprinkled into the mix. The Rob Thomas influence is probably no more evident than in "Need Your Space". Jason's phrasing, enunciation and emotion are all very Thomas-like in this song. "Hurts to Be Without You" is another song that has a definite Rob Thomas feel to it.

"Sad Month" is an awesome song and could possibly be one of the best tracks on the album. Once you spin the disc, you'll realize that the word "ballad" was not used in the last sentence. Yes, it is a ballad. In fact, the track consists of an acoustic guitar track and a vocal track. (Honestly, they probably used several microphones to pick up the room noise and get a fuller tone--but who's really paying attention to that crap). But in this stripped down setting, Jason's talent really comes off the "page." It's easy to imagine that he could mesmerize a room with just a guitar and a vocal microphone.

If you like to interpret lyrics or if you like to sing along with catchy pop melodies, this will be a surprise gem for you. If you're one of those people who like to listen to music two years before it finally hits radio (Gym Class Heroes anyone?), make sure to let all your friends know you have this album now. It's risky because Jason may not get the label or radio support he deserves and your "music guru" reputation may end up taking a bath on this one, but this album will make it worth your time.

www.michaeljmedia.com
www.jasonvigil.com

Track Listing:
1. You I'm Thinking
2. Heart Gone Sober
3. Need Your Space
4. So Tell Me
5. Sweet Goodbye
6. Hurts to Be Without
7. Sad Month
8. Safety's Gone
9. Looking in the Sun
10. Come to Me

Hardrock Haven rating: 7.6/10