Vagrant

There’s this joke about The Hold Steady claiming that the New York rock group’s entire fan base consists of dudes in their thirties. It’s a theory that often proves to be true – particularly at live shows – but it’s unclear whether frontman Craig Finn’s fledgling solo career will be consistent with that. Finn’s solo debut, recorded in Austin, Texas with producer Mike McCarthy (hence the Friday Night Lights title reference), strongly recalls Tom Waits, as the singer’s uncharacteristic sing-talk lyrical recitation propel the sparse folk songs. The tone is gruff and masculine – at times, it’s almost overly rigid. “Jackson,” a character-based narrative, is the album’s standout, subtly compelling and distantly thoughtful, sort of like if Conor Oberst encountered severe emotional blockage. So maybe it is for men in their thirties after all.