ISSUES TO EGOS by Mike Borgia

“Let You Down” is thick with wit and hits its peaks with an oh-oh-a-oh hook that should snatch the listener at first listen, much like the heart string tugger “I Don’t Have Time for You” will with its sing-a-long worthy chorus. More prominent guitar takes over in “When the Bombs Come” but still leaves plenty of room for Borgia’s ranging hook. But before long, the axe is dropped for the ol’ acoustic in “Boiling Hot Water,” which features the disc’s most pleadingly urgent vocals. However, don’t think for a second that this signals another wishy-washy, cry-for-me emo album. Borgia never lowers himself to whining, and manages to communicate the full range of emotions without ever pining or coming off as overly desperate.

The tempo kicks up for the lofty hooks of “Issues to Egos” and drops down for “Blood & Moonlight” to allow for Borgia’s throaty speak-sing verses before lifting off once again for…you guessed it, another catchy hook; only in this one if you listen closely, you can hear a trace of Chris Cornell in Borgia’s voice when he elevates on “Take it as it COMES” in the final group of choruses.

Flattering comparison aside, Issue to Egos’ missteps are few. The sporadic electronic elements in “Like Cement on Summers Day” don’t really fit the inner workings of the song and the slightly honky-tonkish guitar work in “Misplaced" might be a bit hit-or-miss with certain listeners, but neither discrepancy really takes away from the fluidity and easygoing-yet-lively flow of the tracks. It’s just downright good DIY pop with killer hooks. Given the proper exposure and marketing, and a bit of good ol’ fashioned luck, Mike Borgia should get the exposure and credit he deserves.

But perhaps the best thing about Issues to Egos is that it features Mike Borgia -himself. Not some tight shirt ‘n’ wristband image or a self-serving cry-and-sleep-with-me agenda. It’s honest. However, honesty doesn’t always cut it. Especially in the music business where attention spans are short and seemingly programmed to adore the cliché. And here we have the dilemma. But if he were to get his band with him in the studio to record his next effort, stretch his songs out a bit and flesh his sound out with the added instrumentation, it may broaden his appeal even more. They say money makes the world go round. And consequently, it also allows for band accompaniment in the studio. But then again, there’s something to be said for seeing just a man and his guitar captivate the masses…. Ah but that’s enough of me waxing philosophical.

Rating: 8.5/10

RI(You’d)L: a welcome change from present-day popular emo; a more mature Dashboard Confessional; or, if you like Chris Cornell’s Euphoria Morning.

Perfect Soundtrack for: people-watching; rainy days on the porch; driving solo.

myspace.com/mikeborgia

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