Recently transplanted from San Francisco to Los Angeles, rootsy pop rocker Rich McCulley removed himself from a city of heartbreak so as to find the right headspace to work it out in song. Far From My Angel is just that exercise, a cycle that begins with shock and frustration, clear from the opening track "First Word", with its lead-in line, "I left my heart in San Francisco." Its then brought around to understanding and release, as the disc closes with the powerful and driving "I Am Free". And an exuberant way to go, as this self-produced disc jangles and grinds its way through a series of vitriolic rockers ("Hope Youre Happy"), introspective roots-pop ("Waterfall"), blues-tinged grooves ("Follow Me Down") and bare acoustic alt. country ("8 Years Ago Today"). All in all, this is great songwriting and sounds in the Pete Droge vein, that bites its way through the mystery of love lost and musics healing properties. (self-released) - Robinson, Miles Of Music
