Review: Sean Gaiser 'Union'

In addition to running the music school and readying the Pick-up Productions studio, founder of and instructor at GIGS, Sean Gaiser has managed to write, record and release a new album.

Gaiser loaded up a Chevy Suburban with recording gear and instruments and camped out in a cabin in the woods in Union, W.Va. The outcome was "Union," a nine track album completed over an eight-day period in fall of 2009. Though the album was tracked in 2009, Gaiser didn't release the record until fall of 2010.

The album starts off strong with "I'd Stop By." This folk-rock acoustic track has one of the catchiest choruses on "Union." Gaiser sings, "Because I'm on my way home, and if you pick up the phone, I'd stop by tonight," which will play over in your head once the song ends. He talks about listening to Bruce Springsteen and getting excited to see a waitress at a truck stop because it means he's almost home. If you're glad to be traveling home, it fills you with warmth and hopefulness — just like this song.

Gaiser's voice sounds familiar, but not exactly like anyone else. His singing style is reminiscent of Sister Hazel and O.A.R. to name a few slightly more mainstream artists, but Gaiser's voice is somewhat more scratchy and rustic.

"Union" is well mixed and not overproduced. Some artists take out imperfections like scratching of strings the occurs when changing chords, but those additions — like on "Gone Forevers" — keep this album rustic and lo-fi and adds character.

The main complaint about "Union" deals not with quality, lyrics or talent. But most of the tracks are slow, and since the best song is the first on the record, the listener might be expecting something a little more upbeat on the rest of the album as heard on "I'd Stop by." But unfortunately, it doesn't happen.

Sample the album on the Pick-up Productions or purchase the album on the studio's online store for $10.