Jeff Whitehead

Bloodhound Heart

Following up 2009 debut Outlaw in My Mind, Jeff Whitehead’s sophomore LP demonstrates a good sense for melody, but still a great deal of development needed as a country-loving songwriter. Opener “Shine” drifts in light tropes and metaphors that alternate between too trite and stretched, while “Something Never Known” strikes a familiar yearning without wrangling its narrative. “Wake Up” rolls with an easy melody behind piano and steel guitar, and “Pardon Me” offers glimpses of the local’s songwriting promise, yet these remain the only potential high points of an otherwise lukewarm album. The radio-ready chorus of “Rain Like This in Georgia” and dark, backwater rhythm of “Never Going Back” show promise, but Whitehead needs to further hone his craft and tighten his lyrics to match the polished production and strong backing.

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This article appears in April 18 • 2014.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.