Sunrise/Sunset

Sunrise/Sunset, the newest release from West Hartford, Connecticut-born singer/songwriter John Allred is a sublime collection of acoustic alternative that is at once ruminative and radiant, demonstrating both the versatility and verisimilitude necessary to sell over 30,000 albums independently—let alone to share the stage with the likes of Ben Folds, Dashboard Confessional, Blink 182, Paramore, and Secondhand Serenade. Produced by Dan Young and Ace Enders, Sunrise/Sunset was recorded in Seattle, Washington and Hammonton, New Jersey. Influences no doubt include The Goo Goo Dolls and Jimmy Eat World. The crooner exudes confidence throughout the EP’s seven tracks. His aching vocals and deft songwriting are first felt on Crooked, a somber track with muted strings and a simple resonance. Standouts tracks include Tomb, which is easily the most eager to please, and Sun, which features exquisite piano playing and reinforces Allred as a force to be reckoned with.