Pete Francis - Iron Sea and the Calvary Review
by Scott Homewood
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While never a fan of Francis' old band Dispatch, I have been strangely drawn to his solo albums as they have a sort of pull to them I didn't find in Francis' previous endeavors with his old band. Sometimes when a leader of a well-known band (while not famous, Dispatch was well-known and respected on a regional level) splits to do his own thing, the eventual solo project ends up sounding just like the leader's ex-band. In fact, the resulting project often sounds as if it is a band project, just without the band itself. Not so in the case of Francis' work. Francis has managed to create a totally separate sound from what he was doing with Dispatch save the sound of his vocals.
Born Pete Francis Heimbold, Francis discarded his last name (at least, for recording purposes) when he disbanded his old band Dispatch. Releasing five albums with the band between 1995 and 2001, Francis decided he and his bandmates (guitarist/bassist/songwriter Chad Urmston and drummer Brad Corrigan) were tired of the constant touring and needed a hiatus to regroup. Seizing the downtime to cut a solo record (Downtime - released in 2003) the guitarist/bassist/vocalist hasn't looked back, releasing an album just about every year since and capitalizing on Dispatch' decent-size fanbase on the East Coast and in the Midwest to jump-start his solo career.
Unlike Francis' last record, songwriting foil Craig Dreyer only shows up to help on less than half of the songs on Francis' new album. Seems like Francis is trying to find his own way as a higher number of songs than usual are credited to him alone, without co-writers. That said, Francis' new album is much like his previous solo albums as it is a much more serious affair, with reflective songs and a more somber mood. While it only "rocks out" in spots, this album is very well written and has songs that will undoubtedly move you. Francis is a songwriter who has steadily improved his craft over time and has shown marked improvement from album to album.
Undoubtedly those who liked Dispatch will love this record, as they would all of Francis' work, no doubt. But, on the opposite side, those who enjoyed the music of Dispatch will find little like that band on this record save Francis himself. The music is very different, and shows a singular vision. It is no wonder Francis felt he had to leave his band in order to pursue his solo career. The relatively harmless jam band persona of Dispatch seemingly has no place in Francis' more reflective pop/folk music. And it's for the best, because as popular as Dispatch was, Francis solo work has much more gravitas and will no doubt lead him to greater heights than he would have reached as part of a band pursuing the sound for which Dispatch was best known. A very well-done album. Pick it up.
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Pete Francis - Iron Sea and the Calvary
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