Sunset Over Hope Street

iTunes Review

Ari Hest is an understated yet intense singer-songwriter with a husky voice that conveys world-weariness worthy of his material. The somber hues of the music, based in the adult-contemporary world of Marc Cohn, Bruce Hornsby and the Wallflowers, underscore his forlorn lyricism. Songs such as “Until Next Time,” “How Would I Know” and “A Way Back Home” immediately erect a vision of the Bronx-born, Brooklyn-based songwriter staring into the somber grey skies of Autumn and wondering if Spring will ever arrive. The stalking strings of “Business of America” add a sense of caution to Hest’s most hopeful melody. “One Track Mind” is a haunting mumble worthy of Bruce Springsteen. Hest’s electric side shows up on “If I Knew You’d Say Yes,” with effective reverbs and colorful guitars lighting up the night. Gentle ballads such as the Jakob Dylan-like “Sunset Over Hope Street,” “Down the Mountain” “Give It Time” and “A Good Look Around” show Hest’s true forte. He can warm up a cold room with a few chords and a simple turn of phrase.