Michael Tolcher - I Am (CD)

All Music Guide

Anyone who thinks great indie artists aren't still out there on upstart labels should check out this gifted, alternative, Georgiabred roots rocker, whose way with guitardriven rock vocals turn most of his attractive original material into anthemic poetry. It's ironic that his early encouragement to play in clubs and coffeehouses came from Tupac Shakur's father, because hiphop is the furthest thing from Tolcher's mind. His dynamic vocals edge into Dave Matthews territory on sizzling midtempo rockers like "This Is What I Meant by That," but become more intimate on more subtle, vibeoriented confessionals like "I Am." True to his southern roots, there's a crunchy blues element and interesting imagery apparent on key tracks like "Mission Responsible" and the gritty "No One Above." Based on the caliber of musicians and engineers he got to work on the project (whose allstar credits are in the liner notes), Tolcher is no secret in the industry. With this spectacular debut, that should translat...e into mainstream modern rock success as well. - Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide Read more Less