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The former frontman for Archers of Loaf and Crooked Fingers, Eric Bachmann has released 11 albums since 1994, but only recently began to record under his own name. To The Races, his first non-soundtrack solo release, builds on Crooked Fingers’ sensitive folk music. Stripped down to nothing more than a guitar, vocals and a few harmonies, the album is quiet and fragile, exposing a side of Bachmann that will shock Archers fans and please Crooked Fingers devotees. There’s a lot to like here, but the instrumental title track, which combines a klezmerish guitar and violin, is one of his more innovative songs. With folky guitar picking, lush harmonies and sophisticated melodies, this album is a must-have for all of Bachmann’s fans. Eric Bachmann plays September 16 at the Horseshoe.
