The Wealthy West

Fronting rising ATX quintet the Rocketboys, Brandon Kinder surges anthemic indie pop-rock, but solo, he cuts more personal and intimate. Kinder's debut Long Play spins both nostalgia and searching with soft vocals, never overpowering but always sharply targeted. Opener "I've Got to Go" rolls in the easy roots path of Dawes, while his flickers of tender high trills hearken Fleet Foxes on "Ghost in the Garden" and James Vincent McMorrow in the slow swell of standout "The Highest Tide." The more upbeat strum and stomp of "I'll Get By" unloads a full band, but the delicate touch of "That Silver Line" and "Come On, Sailor" ring more effective by letting Kinder's voice lead. The darker pull of "A Miracle" sets up beautifully slow piano closer "Goodbye." With Wealthy West, Kinder proves he soars equally high sans jet propulsion.