Anthony da Costa - Not Afraid of Nothing

We last heard from on da Costa on his brilliant duo record with Red Molly’s Abbie Gardner, Bad Nights-Better Days, which was preceded by his 7th solo record Typical American Tragedy. Both of which found him recording in professional studios in a classic folk-Americana style (think Dylan, Prine, etc). Not Afraid of Nothing is a deliberate step away from that sound. Recorded in various houses and basements around da Costa’s hometown of Pleasantville, NY, the album finds da Costa experimenting with a variety of sounds and song structures. John Elliott of the Sweet Hereafter co produces with da Costa, and reportedly encouraged him to go outside the box with this project. It mostly works, though it may be a slight shock to some longtime fans.

RIYL: Ryan Adams, John Prine, Cory Branan, songs

- Twangville