E.T. Doolin

E.T. Doolin's self-titled debut is a modest but highly likable effort by a pleasing singer/songwriter who takes much of his inspiration (particularly melodically) from the early British Invasion. Specifically, many of the chord changes recall those of the early Beatles and Merseybeat, though there's a more confessional, personal tone to his lyrics than you'd hear in songs by Gerry & the Pacemakers and the like. In a significantly different mode, he also approximates the rockabilly of Creedence Clearwater Revival on "Traveler," and a Chuck Berry-influenced brand of power pop on "Come On, Hannah." It's the British Invasion-like love songs on which he shines brightest, though, with production that — unlike many post-'70s recordings with such heavy nods to the past — doesn't try too hard to pack on oomph. The full but tasteful sound is especially impressive given that everything was played by just two musicians, Doolin and Amit Poznansky. His slightly high and reedy voice will appeal to fans of Paul McCartney, Eric Carmen, and Badfinger, and while most of his compositions are good-hearted love odes, the melancholy "Down, Down" hints at more serious singer/songwriter ambitions.