Reflections

Todd Apfel

Independent Release, 2015

by Cathal Croft

The midwest’s own Todd Apfel writes and perfoms spare and austere poppy folk, in which he paints vivid images of love and desire. Apfel has cultivated a sweet sounding collection of songs which could have easily wandered into the redundant realm of many a singer songwriter. Instead, he’s worked the songs with an even hand, adding distinct musical colors as needed.

Sitting innocously in the middle of this disc, “Coloring Outside the Lines” is the stand-out track. Assertive and urgent and he relates being a “special kind of crazy.” “Hot Summer Love” picks up the pace and Apfel wrenches all he can from his personal torment.

Title track reflections sounds like Billy Bragg fronting a larger band than usual.

Where Apfel truly succeeds is making really great unpretentious, memorable and earnest songs.