Album Review: Jeremy Sisto’s Band Escape Tailor, ‘Escape Tailor’

Something about Jeremy Sisto’s deep, raspy voice has always caused us to go a bit wild. Seriously—we even called it during our “Sexiest Man Alive” nominees. Now, the notable actor (Six Feet Under, Suburgatory) is showing off some smooth singing skills with his alter ego Escape Tailor on their self-titled debut album.

While the album is described as “freak folk,” it is missing a bit of each element to be fully deemed as such. Nevertheless, it is a stellar album when staying home alone at night, a mix between melancholy and contentment. Sisto’s voice envelopes you into a buzzing blanket of warmth and compassion. Its laid back vibe, storytelling lyrics, and lucid guitar lull the listener into a sexy state of introspection.

An occasional female vocal, sounds almost as if someone Sisto was thinking, singing, or wishing about was along with him, like a ghost passenger, only soothing the listener more. “Cold Moon (Two Way Stream)” is an enjoyable tune, where the listener really gets to know the groove and grit of Escape Tailor’s music. The piano adds to the sultriness, and it is easy to imagine this song over the speakers at a swanky downtown bar. “Just Cuz 3” has a refined folksier sound, with a slight infliction in its wording and phrasing, even telling of advice, “And she can be greedy, but don’t let her take your breath away.”

“Sad and In Your Arms” seems like something that’s been rotating on the record player for years, consistent with the album, each disconcerted guitar strum and note sang is clear with a purpose. Emotion is there, but Sisto isn’t over dramatic in portraying his thoughts, crooning, “I want you here with me. And on Sundays, too. I ain’t afraid to be sad and in your arms, if that’s how it has to be.”

Certain songs do feature a child’s voice in the background, although, it is unknown the relevance. It may be a tribute to his daughter Charlie Ballerina (or indeed, her voice) whom a track is named after; however, on her self-titled track no children’s voices are heard, so there may be no connection at all. “Fire Fighting Oxygen” has a darker sentiment than the rest of the album, even incorporating string instruments. Sisto finally lets his guard down more, giving a rawness to the honesty he displays throughout the album, singing, “I’m still stuck in moments,” then creeping into a howl, “Someday you’ll see me the way I want you to.” Hopefully, this song is a precursor of future album endeavors.

As Escape Tailor’s debut, the simplicity is appreciated and there are moments of real beauty. Sisto’s father, a jazz musician, may have influenced particular arrangements on the album but it left for an ache of that “freak folk” the description provided. Perhaps, add a harmonica to the folk tunes and more screams for the freak moments. The album cover, a bleached, shirtless Sisto did not exactly exemplify what the songs do. Nevertheless, it is enjoyable and provides curiosity for a haunting live performance.

This article was original published on AllMediaNY.com