Before he became a regular member of Greg Dulli’s Twilight Singers, Austin-based crooner Jeff Klein was busy cultivating his Hustler ways — his third solo LP, 2005’s The Hustler, that is, a rich songbook heart-drenched in burning guitar riffs and twisted personal reflections a la Ed Harcourt and Son Volt’s Jay Farrar. Between playing solo gigs and touring in support of the Singers’ Powder Burns, Klein logged in 238 total shows in 26 countries, yet the road-weary Klein didn’t miss a beat penning new tracks.
“Sleepwalking,” one of the many lush standouts featured on his forthcoming digital-only EP, I Sing the Body Electric, captures Klein’s triumphant return to the solo spotlight. Once again, Klein’s skilled guitar work is as razor-sharp as his signature shredded vocals, and lite tympani arrangements soar around velvety harmonies for a soothing rock ballad. But behind such majestic songcraft is an aching message: “There’s danger in conversation.” Klein attributes this to a society afraid of communicating. “Lyrically, it’s about how everyone around me seems to be on meds these days,” Klein tells SPIN.com. “Maybe we should try dealing with our problems first before medicating?” I Sing the Body Electric, Klein’s precursor to his fourth studio effort, 2008’s Let’s Be Enemies, is slated for a fall release on a yet-to-be determined label.
Jeff Klein tour dates:
8/7, New York, NY (The Living Room)
8/13, New York, NY (The Living Room)
8/27, New York, NY (Mercury Lounge)
8/30, New York, NY (The Living Room)
Now Hear This:
Jeff Klein — “Sleepwalking” DOWNLOAD MP3
On the Web:
Jeff Klein at MySpace
jeffkleinmusic.com
Talk: Will you be ‘sleepwalking’ with Jeff Klein?
Get a Free Digital Sampler from SPIN.com and Insound!
When you spend $25 at Insound.com, you can download a free sampler featuring tracks from Bright Eyes, Dungen, Dinosaur Jr., and many more! FIND OUT HOW >>
