Shawn Campbell writesIn Rotation: In Tall Buildings

In Tall Buildings is the nom de plume of Erik Hall, a Chicago singer-songwriter who has just released his second album, Driver on Western Vinyl. At the center is still Hall’s smooth, folksy tenor, laden with echo and delivering his winsome and winning melodies, but the sound is less bare bones than on his eponymous debut, released in 2010 by Whistler.

Driver brims with additional electronic effects and sports a more lush layering of musical richness, but the arrangements are never busy enough to distract from the solidness of songs. During a particularly rhythmically intricate number, Hall sings that “it’s unmistakeable, I understand, the sea will take a toll, when you hit land.” The world-weariness of his delivery blends well with the recurrent lyrical motif of the world’s eroding effect on humanity, but let’s hope this young talent doesn’t let the world wear him down too much.

Driver does pack a speedier, more linear punch where its predecessor was content with a more leisurely stroll through a foggier forest. His debut was so good, it's just great to hear Hall on record again, and if anything Driver is even better.

"The Way to a Monster's Lair" featuring Matt Ulery (bass) and Quin Kirchner (drums)