New Jersey-born Americana singer-songwriter Dave Vargo boasts an impressive musical resume, studying at the Berklee College of Music and eventually becoming a touring artist and session player. He currently has three releases under his belt – Burning Through (2016), Spaces in Between (2019), and this year, Crooked Miles, his third full-length studio album.
Crooked Miles is a rich, insightful dive into the world of the thoughtful and pensive music that Vargo creates. Walking artfully between a true Americana and contemporary country sound, Vargo’s heartfelt voice and the lyrics it carries are at the foundation of each and every track. Across the album we find uplifting moments alongside heartbreaking ones, taking us on a complex and complete journey from start to finish. It’s clear that as an artist, Vargo puts his unique perspective and experiences at the center of his work, and this immersive kind of cohesivity and thoughtfulness is a gem to find in a brand new album being produced in today’s music industry.
Best Version is a standout on this project. Rich harmonies, well-crafted guitar riffs, and layers of instrumentation beneath serve to deepen the composition without ever becoming overpowering; musically the track is a clear testament to the skills Vargo possesses. But the lyrics continue to be where he truly shines, writing with nuance and insightfulness that seems so hard to find these days: “Someday the memories might wear off, life goes on but what’s the cost?”
Fans of a modern acoustic sound fueled by musical excellence and true storytelling ability will find so much to love on Crooked Miles. Dave Vargo is a true troubadour, bringing stories to life with a rare and welcome, veritable authenticity. Stream Crooked Miles for yourself below.
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BELOW: Listen to Crooked Miles and connect with his website and social media platforms. Please support Dave Vargo by visiting him online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing his music, or attending a live show! And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!
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