David Ford - Let The Hard Times Roll

Third album from British singer/songwriter David Ford epitomizes the new D.I.Y. mantra (and cold reality) facing so many performers these days. Signed to Sony in 2004 for his breakout solo debut, Ford has moved to independent free-agent status, jettisoning his official website, producing himself (and playing almost every instrument in the studio) and continuing to tour solo as a tech-savvy one-man-band. Third album Let The Hard Times Roll, hitting stores April 20 May 25 via Original Signal, proves that what hasn't changed, fortunately, is Ford's way with a passionate, sometimes political tune. Be it upbeat boisterous folk/rock - like the charging "Making Up For Last Time" - or the more subtle banjo inflections of swaying but verbally scathing pub anthem "Stephen (A Piece of Land)", the Eastbourne troubadour melds melody and lyrical intensity in a way that simply demands attention.

Of all of Hard Times' fine songcraft, the succinctly titled "Panic" best exemplifies Ford's turbulent appeal. Moving from breezy jumble of wordplay to gusting, galloping rocker (with wicked McCartney-styled bass line), "Panic" pushes all the right buttons. With a voice that's half sandpaper howl and half expressive lament, Ford takes the tick-tock rhythm and arena sized riffs, assuredly grabs the massive chorus hook, downshifts and then just floors it. Imagery sails past in a blur, the rhythm section jumps through a maze of changing patterns and power chords -- acoustic ones at that -- ring with take-notice urgency. Recommended. U.S. club dates in support of Let The Hard Times Roll run through March.

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David Ford - "Stephen (A Piece of Land) (from the album Let The Hard Times Roll)

David Ford - "Panic" (from the album Let The Hard Times Roll)