Album Review: Fred Abbott 'Serious Poke'

Fred Abbott, formerly the guitarist and keys player for the now disbanded Noah and the Whale, is releasing his first solo project, Serious Poke, on July 20th. The album includes the first single, the Tom Petty-esque “Funny How Good It Feels” as well as nine more original tunes. Serious Poke kicks off with the aptly titled “Adrenaline Shot” a pulsating thumper about connecting with that one person who you know will alter your life. From there on out, there is never a shortage of guitar riffs and catchy melodies. Melodically reminiscent of Petty’s “Learning to Fly,” “Awake” has an undeniable and instantly likeable roots rocker feel while the same ear friendliness can be found in “One Hot Night” and “Hollywood” which pays homage to that certain city in California.

“Honey” finds him ready to lend an ear, “Are you only happy at the bottom of a bottle of gin/You don’t smile no more the way you used to do,” while on “Don’t Look Like Him,” sounding a bit like Bowie, he warns a female that what she thinks is love with someone, probably isn’t. “Learn About Love” is a funky, groove laden track that at just under four minutes hits the sweet spot. The piano ballads “Still Told A Lie” and “Lucky People” close out the record.

On Serious Poke Abbott, both vocally and sonically, recalls the sounds of Petty, The Cars, J Geils Band, and maybe even a bit of Dylan. It’s a solid debut definitely worth a listen. 

---