Drayton Michaels has such a warm & brooding Vox delivery , that a listener is instantly drawn to his alluring & earthy soundscapes. A unique artist with a singular musical vision , Drayton’s Vocal range is equally at home in octave spans across baritone to alto tenor coloration & range

“Thievery”echoes a whisper of Neil Young in a moody melancholy mood, replete with adroit electric & acoustic guitar & synthesizer splashes that compliment the atmosphere

“Anyway”emotes a minor ninth cadence reminiscent of Al Stewart’s better works ; Whereas in a song like ‘Back On The Ground”, one is witness to a slightly lighter side of the brooding muse that incorporates the inner complexities of Drayton Michael music

A plaintiff air of compassion & a rootsy approach permeate “Everybody” in the verse , then dynamically builds into a harder edged chorus. A tune like this would do well for a fellow like Mellencamp ; Although the compositional range of this cut even reminds one of a Supertramp

“Understand”takes on a more straight ahead rock approach in the intro & then the trademark Drayton twist & turn manifests in the arrangement’s originality & imagination

“At Least”takes on a bluesy hue & shuffles into something that Dylan would do well to attempt. As the song progresses , the listener envisions a dollop of Tom Petty thrown in for good measure

“What Ya Think Of That” is a reflective work of introspection that would be at home in the hands of a Crosby Stills & Nash. A dash of irony adds to the proceedings

“Ghosts Of Manhattan” is a departure of subtle beauty , augmented with some tasteful string undercurrents. A splash of Michael Penn meets Julian Lennon

“I’m Not Waiting” is an audio diary of sorts , that contains a charm that flows like flowers dancing in the breeze. A tune like this would do well with John Sebastian

“So Cautious”showcases the innate chordal structure & melodic qualities that are intrinsic to Drayton Michaels muse. Elvis Costello could have presented something of this caliber in his collaboration with Burt Bacharach

“Right By Your Side”with it’s waltz time & acoustic piano , highlight the sensitivity & attractively haunting vulnerability & honesty of Drayton Michael. This work reminds one of McCartney’s first solo album & the better works of David Crosby. Sounds like Suzanne Vega singing in the background

Drayton Michaels has such potential & progressive expansion in his inspirational approach to crafting music , that one finds his work both enigmatic & beguiling

A ghostly sheen haunts the edges of his sound paintings , in such a way as to draw a listener inwards & onwards to repeated listening within the fabric of his songs

Check out Drayton’s compelling first album “Low Stress In The Deep End”. You will not walk away from the experience , without being affected by his sonic prowess & artistry