Waters

Out in the Light (TBD Records)

Van Pierszalowski’s previous efforts with Port O’Brien tended toward the simple and folksy, but a beefed-up backing band (from Norway, no less) lends his new project Waters a filled-out and fuzzed-out bravado. The frontman’s voice is largely clear and earnest with grit where necessary and a dash of Neil Young’s nasal falsetto, the kind of delivery just begging for a listener’s impassioned sing-along. When the lyrics aren’t as effective as they are on “Out of the Light,” it’s hard to get behind missteps like “Back to You,” and while rockers like openers “For the One” and “O Holy Break of Day” land solid Band of Horses punches, not even John Congleton’s rhythm-heavy production can wake up some of the album’s sleepier moments (“Take Me Out to the Coast,” “If I Run”). “Mickey Mantle” leaves a pleasant aftertaste and helps listeners forget the few tracks that are forgettable. (Wed., 9:20pm, Red 7; Fri., 9pm, the Studio by HGTV)

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This article appears in March 16 • 2012.

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James graduated from Columbia University in 2000 and moved to Austin a year later. Ever since, he has followed the arts and video game scene in ATX, editing and writing stories for the Chronicle along the way. Over his more than 20 years with the paper he has climbed the "corporate" ladder from lowly intern to managing editor.