Album Highlight Friday: David Gallagher “Waste & Want”

The first thing I can say about this record, was that it was a long time coming. David Gallagher is a fantastic multi-instrumentalist and has a wonderfully soulful vocal, but I also know that he is a perfectionist of sorts. Always seeking the right harmony part, wanting that perfect guitar run as a garnish to a chorus, he just likes things to be in their place. This I imagine makes him his own worst enemy in the studio and we had been talking about his EP for quite a while before its release in December last year. Well, Dave, I assure you that you have nothing to worry about man, its fantastic.

Overall, its very “acoustic” album. The first track “Well Again” puts the more tender side of Gallagher’s vocal on display. The sense of yearning and slow burn seeps through the speakers, eventually picking up a bit with the somewhat happier sound of the accordion tricking in on the higher end. Bouncy and layered with great instrumentation.

“I’ve Got Time” gives the groovier side of the musician’s flavor an appearance on the palette of the five song collection. The guitar line and his annunciation push the tune on forward and has a great vibe to it. Great harmony decisions here. That guitar at the breaks too, really an excellent and memorable riff.

The EP ends as it starts, with a bit more scarce arrangement, that builds, and then falls off again. An entertaining and engaging tune in “You Don’t Come to Me Like You Used To Do”. With great cello and mandolin hints courtesy of David’s talented friends and cohorts.

Give this a listen, I think you’ll dig it.