WRITER/PRODUCER MAKES IMPRESSIVE
ARTISTIC LEAP
Longtime
CCM readers will surely recognize the
name of reviewer/features writer Lou Carlozo, though he earns ink this issue
outside of contributor contexts. The veteran journalist recently switched hats
for his solo debut,
Stick Figure Soul,
following time as a producer and member of Chicago world music troupe Blue Lit
Souls. Though there are several eclectic elements that enter into this project,
the troubadour specifically showcases jangly guitars and earthy harmonies
(backed by soaring Souls member Kris Ward) that meld the retro influence pool
of The Beatles or The Byrds with the more modern-minded R.E.M. or Tom Petty
gone solo.
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“Elvis In the Sky” leans toward a ’60s
affinity, while “Morning Hurts My Eyes” tips closer to the psychedelic era a la Todd Rundgren. Carlozo displays a
more contemporary fabric throughout the acoustic simplicity of “The Boy Turned
Back,” plus the power pop dominated “Separated.” Yet he particularly excels as
a songwriter, likely to resonate with fans of Chris Rice or Derek Webb, thanks
to his poetic and introspective nature. Either way, whether in the more serious
vein of “Solomon Has Sung” (a sweetly sung Psalm-styled exposition) or the
cheeky “Big Rock Star” (which pokes pun at secular superstardom), this
behind-the-scenes supporter can clearly connect on the front lines.
-- Andy Argyrakis