The voice of Chuck Ragan is a thing of quivering intensity. One of the voices of legendary punk outfit Hot Water Music, Ragan’s excursions into folk music have impressed ever since his assured solo debut 'Feast or Famine' in 2007 but 'Covering Ground' is a step up for the Floridian native. Think of him as being the American equivalent of Frank Turner if you will but what you are really getting here is something far more rough and tough than Frank could ever be.
This is partly due to the aforementioned Ragan voice. Gravelly and distinct, this is a voice that sounds like it is emanating from a man with the strength of a bear but the heart of the Good Samaritan. There is an unmistakable air of defiance present throughout this record, as highlighted in particular on the likes of opener 'Nothing Left to Prove' and 'You Get What You Give'. This is, without doubt, an introspective record in many ways but there is a sense that Ragan is a man who has come to peace with himself over mistakes he may have made in the past and, as such, this is not the sound of a man wallowing in self-pity but of one who is strong and determined. He is also more than capable of writing anthems, as 'Meet You in the Middle' proves to particularly great effect.
The highest watermark of the record is probably the closer, 'Lost and Found'. A track that wraps up the record in fine style despite stretching out to over twelve minutes long thanks to a long section of noises recorded at the side of the freeway. After the sounds of the road disappear once again the listener is left with Ragan and his gentle finger-picking for one last time. Like so many good album closers this is a track that defines the record as a whole. It is a journey that concludes in tranquillity, despite the odd bit of heartbreak along the way.
'Covering Ground' is out September 12th on Side One Dummy Records. The Revival Tour (featuring Chuck, Brian Fallon, Dan Adriano and Dave Hause) hits the UK from 27th September to 2nd October and 15th October to 17th October.
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This is partly due to the aforementioned Ragan voice. Gravelly and distinct, this is a voice that sounds like it is emanating from a man with the strength of a bear but the heart of the Good Samaritan. There is an unmistakable air of defiance present throughout this record, as highlighted in particular on the likes of opener 'Nothing Left to Prove' and 'You Get What You Give'. This is, without doubt, an introspective record in many ways but there is a sense that Ragan is a man who has come to peace with himself over mistakes he may have made in the past and, as such, this is not the sound of a man wallowing in self-pity but of one who is strong and determined. He is also more than capable of writing anthems, as 'Meet You in the Middle' proves to particularly great effect. 
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