Ever listen to a song and think, "I like what I'm hearing, but would really appreciate some form of corresponding visual whereby I could fully immerse myself in this wonderful little nugget of artistry"? Happens all the time, right? To help you bring your eyes up to the same happiness level as your ears, Los Angeles-based singer Robert Francis has created a music video for the single "Nightfall" off his recently released sophomore album, "Before Nightfall," which was officially hits stores on October 20.It's been a while since I've been pleasantly surprised by an opener, but Francis was really so good, pouring his heart and soul into both his Springsteen-esque vocals and his beautiful pink electric guitar. During Jeff Coffman directed video "Nightfall," if you watch the plot while listening to the song, the ending might come as a surprise. The video has a retro look, uses lots of vintage stuff and the performance part was filmed inside a church. The video also aptly captures the hard edged road blues of Francis' sophomore album, "Before Nightfall", which is by far and away one of 2009's hidden gems and best discoveries for your music library. Francis' fluid voice glides across the divide between the music and the listener as thick as honey. Unbelievably heart wrenching and pure it only takes one listen for these melodies and lyrics to be trapped inside your head.
Artists are often plague ridden by their desire to create. Drowning in desperation to transform their festering emotion in reaction to the world around them into a format that they can share with others, to finally reach understanding is an enduring battle. The 22-year-old has seemingly melded many disparate facets of American rock/folk/country into a tasty music stew. Pedal steel, piano, guitar, and vocals come together in classic fashion. Francis' hooks are like that delicious secret ingredient, where you find yourself singing along before the tune is even over.
Though Francis' youth will certainly turn heads, the music he creates deserves more than just he's good for his age. I have to say this artist has grown both laterally (exploring by genre) and vertically (through his confidence). At 22, the future is bright for this indie wunderkind. He's currently touring with Noah and the Whale, Francis has been captivating audiences with his stunning delivery and haunting voice. The youngest child from a large family, Francis has spent many hours taming the emotions behind his chiseled lyrics that bleed of personal loss, love and responsibility. He will be performing at the Wiltern on the coming Saturday.
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