Granted, the world does not need a raft of Hootie & the Blowfish solo projects. If there’s nothing particularly offensive about that good-natured folk/country/rock/whatever band, there’s also nothing particularly distinctive about ’em either.
So, it’s a surprise to find that Hootie guitarist Mark Bryan has delivered such an engaging record with his solo debut. 30 On The Rail is an undeniably and unapologetically mainstream slice of rock ‘n’ roll, but it’s frankly pretty irresistible, melding Hootie’s solid pop instincts with the slightest edge. Maybe it helps that a longtime producer of off-kilter pop, Don Dixon, produced and plays bass. Or perhaps it’s the involvement of ex-DB and current Continental Drifter Peter Holsapple (probably not, given that he’s been a longtime Hootie collaborator anyway).
No, you can chalk up this low-key success to Bryan himself. He’s delivered 13 songs here characterized by sturdy melodies and respectable, occasionally even memorable, lyrics. The opening “If It Happens, It Happens” exemplifies the whole record: a big, soaring arrangement that makes up in sheer energy what it lacks in subtlety.
If there’s nothing revelatory going on here, 30 On The Rail is certainly a record that will tide Hootie hordes over until their next effort, and may even appeal to some who don’t…well, give a hoot about the band.