Lach is a New York City-based singer-songwriter, and he hangs with an interesting bunch that have made a mark on that scene at one time or another – Billy Ficca of Television (drums), Mike Visceglia of Suzanne Vega’s band (bass) and Richard Barone of the Bongos, who produces. With that kind of talent on board you might expect this effort to appeal to music business insiders only, but in fact, The Calm Before is the antithesis of hipster cool.

Lach has a friendly, homespun sort of voice and his music, while lyrically challenging at times, is uncomplicated. Some of Lach’s work sounds Dylan-esque (“I Won’t Miss You”), but with a Western flavor prevailing in many songs you could be forgiven for pegging Lach as being from Austin or Tucson.

Grade: A

The Calm Before is currently available.