Erik Buell is known internationally as the founder of Buell Motorcycles, and he has designed and developed bikes that have been recognized for innovations like aluminum frames being used as fuel tanks and mufflers placed below engines, the latter of which have become commonplace today.
Buell’s other passion is music, and the guitar player released his debut album, Anthem, in 2010. That rockin’ CD was followed up last summer with the release of Dust Settles, a collection that blends heartland rock and Americana influences for a wider-ranging musical experience.
Erik Buell and the Thunderbolts Anthem Album Review
“Music is all I’ve been doing lately,” Buell told me via email, quipping, “I don’t need $10 million [to develop a motorcycle] to bring creativity to people!”
Dust Settles features 12 songs written by Buell and was produced by Ralph Carter, who has worked with singer Eddie Money and played bass, guitar, keys, and percussion. Other backing musicians are a group of session players dubbed Friends Out West who have played with artists like Steve Miller, Lucinda Williams, and John Mayer.
The album explores themes like finding strength in honesty and the power of vulnerability. And importantly for Buell, the experience of reconnecting and marrying his college sweetheart after decades apart.
“I’ve had an amazing and blessed life overall,” Buell said. “There have been many dark and sad times, as well as bright and happy times. This album marks the first time I’ve been able to record songs that capture those deep feelings.”
Buell meanders across various styles of music, from roots-rockers to country-tinged honkytonks.
It opens with “You’re Not Alone In This World,” a roots-rocker about reconnecting with his wife after 25 years apart – it sounds a bit like if Tom Petty and Dire Straits had a baby. Buell’s guitar performance is searing yet tasty. “Fading Perfume” takes listeners on a slower atmospheric journey, again with Mark Knopfler-esque (Dire Straits) guitar tones. He shifts gears again with the lighthearted and country-tinged “Came For A Party,” which pleases for its crip production despite sounding a bit derivative.
“Mr. Pious” takes us down a darker alley, with a harder edge and palpable angst commenting on religious hypocrisy. Shifting again, we get to the countryish “Forgotten Things,” a nostalgic look at life in a bygone era featuring the brightness of a pedal-steel guitar. The fun “Crank Up That Jukebox” goes all the way into country, and I can imagine it being a hit if it was covered by a crooner like Travis Tritt.
“I Don’t Know” features more tasty guitar licks but would benefit from additional vocal harmonies. “Together” is a jaunty pop song about how love can change one’s outlook on life, and the album closes with Caribbean charm in “In My Arms Again” in which Buell professes his appreciation for having found the love of his life again after being apart for many years.
The musicianship and production on the album are excellent and a joy to listen to. Buell’s vocals are more of an acquired taste. His voice has a tone that sometimes doesn’t soar quite as high as his music, and I’d like to hear more duets and backing vocals on his next album to augment the singing. I could imagine a country chanteuse having hits with some of his songs.
“My hope is that these songs connect with others,” Buell said. “At our core, we are all very much alike. The best of roads are ahead.”
Check out Buell’s tunes on Spotify or order a CD for $11.99 (or vinyl for $23.99) from Select-O-Hits. More info can be found on Erik Buell’s website.
