Reviews

Album: Keep You Guessing
Label:  Aspirion Record
Review by "Today's Country Magazine"
Link: read online

As a member of the southern rock band Cooperhead, Neil Carswell was bringing true southern rock to the forefront. Now as a solo artist he is set to continue his efforts to do just that with his album “Keep You Guessing.” The obvious comparisons to Bob Segar are evident the minute you hit play and lead single “Bright Lights” brings you into the album. However as you continue to dive further in you see a different side to Neil Carswell begin to shine through as the album takes on a slower paced feel.

It’s veterans’ day.

No, not the holiday, silly. It’s a day when we have new music from some of country music’s vets. Aaron Tippin, Ricochet and Ronnie Milsap are all dropping by with new sounds. And the magnificent Mr. Milsap wins a Disc of the Day award.

Neil Carswell is a veteran, too. He previously fronted the Southern rock band Copperhead. Now he’s a solo artist with his second consecutive winning single. Keep an ear out for him, as well as Michael Scott. He is also getting his second consecutive rave review in this column.

NEIL CARSWELL/Bright Lights
Writer: Neil Carswell; Producer: Stu Campbell & Neil Carswell; Publisher: Lake James/GHP, ASCAP; Aspirion (CDX)
—The buzzing guitar sound is cool, and this man sings with plenty of grit and fire. This is the second time we’ve encountered this distinctive stylist, and I’m even more impressed than I was the first time around.

A typical question that tends to come up in any circle these days is what is country music right now anyhow? A very good question that allows us as listeners to really define what it is. Southern rock has fused its way into the mix over the years and created its own little sub-genre, as has a more classic rock sound. Neil Carswell has easily found his way into that sub-genre category with his single “Bright Lights,” a cut from his album “Keep You Guessing.”