Often times, when rock musicians head in a so-called different direction, they tend to dabble in more alt-country and acoustic sounds (Dallas Green’s City And Colour and Anthony Green’s solo work comes to mind). It is thus fitting that when post-hardcore outfit Therefore I Am broke up in 2010, Alex Correia would team up with Chris Rosenquest to create the alt-rock outfit they would call The Tower And The Fool. After recruiting former members of Hot Rod Circuit and Boys Like Girls, the group recently released their new two-song EP, XIII. 

The blues-meets-country “Die Alone” is an instant attention-grabber definitely putting any inkling that XIII may be closely in line with any of the members’ former groups in a casket. Correia lends his vocals to this track concerning fear, innocence, and blind trust. “Die Alone” is simply stunning. Lead guitarist Chris Capaldi destroys the track, drilling out a guitar solo that channels Richie Sambora à la “Dry County.” The guitar work on the track is exquisite and intricate, beautifully balancing Correia’s vocals and the musicianship, loose and complimentary. Starkly contrasting “Die Alone” is the acoustic “NYC.” Rosenquest takes the lead, showing off his Dave Matthews-meets-Ray LaMontagne scratchy vocals over simple strings. “NYC” emphasizes the lyrics, as Rosenquest croons, “All of my heart is dead in New York City // All of my heart is dead in New York City.” It is a delicate track meant for lovers, a valiant show of openness and comfort.

XIII shows the versatility The Tower And The Fool posses. They present, on one side, a rock band capable of crafting blues-inspired tracks (“Die Alone”), and on the other, a folk-sensibility that emphasizes the lyrics over any other element. XIII is exciting and will bring the listener back for more and more each time. Not such a simple feet for a two-song EP. 

★★★★☆

*This review was composed by Mike Meeze