CD review - Donavon Frankenreiter, Glow (2010)

Indie rock artist (and pro surfer) Donavon Frankenreiter doesn't worry, he's just happy. With a lazy, laid back, raspy voice somewhere between Macy Gray and Greg Brown, he infuses Glow with a warm, hazy feel. The music is catchy indie pop, with bluesy folk moments. Maybe it's his surfer vibe, but Frankenreiter's cheerful, foot-tapping music is open and inviting.

Glow favors reverbed, shimmery guitars mixed under acoustic instruments. Many of the songs are layered but not overly complex. With the musical bounce and his relaxed vocal delivery, it sounds a lot like Jason Mraz (I'm Yours, for instance). The title cut, Glow, is available on Frankenreiter's MySpace page. It's typical of most of the songs on the album: music that's well suited to a drowsy summer afternoon.

The mood varies occasionally, like the reflective Shadows or the wistful sound of Home. But it all comes back to the theme best summed up in All Right:

Don't worry 'bout a thing
Heaven knows what the day will bring
There's a big old sun, lighting up your sky
Burnin' off your blues, let the good light shine...
It's gonna be all right.

Glow is due out on October 5 on Donavon Frankenreiter's personal label, Liquid Tambourine Records. Pick it up and enjoy it with a sweet sparkling mead.