FRANK VIELE – THE TROUBLE WITH DESIRE – ALBUM REVIEW
By Ralph Beauchamp
Singer/songwriter Frank Viele has created a majestic masterpiece with his new 13 song offering, The Trouble with Desire. Viele‘s newly released album is full of melodic jewels that showcase his strong and inspiring songwriting. Each song on the record tells an intimate story of heartbreak, devotion and pure exhilaration.
Viele is no stranger to AMP. In fact, he is one of our favorite artists. He has won multiple New England Music Awards including Song Of the Year in 2024 and the prodigious Act Of the Year in 2023. In addition, Frank is always on tour. He has opened for a multitude of top tier talent including Lee DeWyze, John Waite and Zach Meyers of Shinedown. He has headlined countless shows throughout the US enthralling audiences with his brazen showmanship. Give Frank a place to plug in his amp and enjoy hours (and I mean hours) of aural ecstasy. He is a consummate entertainer.
The Trouble with Desire is by far Frank‘s crowning achievement. The full length delivers poignant lyrics, impassioned arrangements and a fervor that cannot be matched. Frank feels every word that he sings. Every syllable comes directly from Frank‘s heart. Viele holds nothing back. His devotion to his craft is unwavering. Frank is always striving to out best himself. Every new album and song surpasses the feel and strength of the last. The man is never satisfied and that works well for us, the listener. We await each new song with a strong anticipation, knowing that it will be magical.
The 13 tracks on The Trouble with Desire form an incredible sonic avalanche. They range from melodic ballads and edgy anthems to barn burners. Each tune has its own life. Viele has infused every song with its own cinematic soundscape. His gems tell stories of broken hearts, loves lost and loves found. In addition, Frank has empowered the album with an intimate vigor. We find ourselves drawn into every lyric as moths to a flame. We cannot draw away from the richness Frank has let loose. Viele is “the” master wordsmith.
Opening The Trouble with Desire is “Hearts We Left Behind” which we reviewed last year. We called the song “magic dust” and it still feels as fresh as when we first heard it, Frank‘s voice is both throaty and crisp. The jangly guitars are a perfect fit and “Hearts We Left Behind” is the ideal kickoff to the record. The title track, “The Trouble with Desire” is next and it continues the meteoric barrage. The spaghetti western infused guitars are a wonderful add and Viele‘s voice captures your immediate attention.
“Mountains We Can Climb” starts slow but builds into a steady wildfire. It’s a story of a pleading lover to let him/her into the other’s heart. It’s another example of Viele‘s excellent songwriting. We feel every ounce of his passion. “Claws” is a beautiful ballad that is probably one of the strongest tracks on the album. Viele instills the song with a texture of fervent anguish over a love slowly disappearing. Every ounce of his heartbreak is let out like a raging flood. Frank‘s solemn guitars saturate “Claws” with a pensive lushness. The song is simply spellbinding.
“Necessary Evil” is rhythmically enticing with an uplifting groove. In “Sleepless Nights Alone”, Frank‘s voice is intoxicating and his guitars offer a tension filled lilt. Another special song is “Trying to Raise a Man”. It’s Viele‘s ode to his mother’s love for her son. The tune is not only sentimental but also emotionally cathartic. One can tell it is a profound statement for Viele. His deep appreciation for his mother comes out of every pore. “I’m Not Scared of the Thunder” is captivating with an insatiable depth. The immersive guitar solo is all devouring.
“Lo-Fi Goodbye” ramps up the tempo. This rocker offers vibrant vocals and again the guitar solo slaps with authority. The track hits like a landslide. It also distributes a galvanic cadence. “Lo-Fi Goodbye” exposes a whole other side of Viele. The man can be incendiary. “Dive Bar Poet’ is probably autobiographical because that is truly what Frank is. He is the ultimate “dive bar” troubadour. That is his quintessential milieu. “Caffeine & Cabernet” is melodic with a memorable edge.
The Trouble with Desire ends with two emboldened tracks. “Putting out Fires” cranks with impetuous vocals and an explosive groove. Viele envelopes it with a fierce aura of spirited destruction. The song wails with a hammering energy. “Trainwreck” powers through a 50’s inspired adventure. It has soaring vocals and a toe tapping beat. The keys surrender an amazing potency. Grab a beer or shot of whiskey and enjoy.
With The Trouble with Desire, Frank Viele has created a rampaging beast of an album. This record will surely raise him to the utmost ranks of musical stardom. There is only one problem. How does he top this. Easily. Frank never rests. His next batch of songs will surely hit higher bars. Viele only goes forward. Never back.
To learn more about Frank Viele, check out their Website
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