Move over, Bob Dylan. The new generation of folk-rock singer/songwriters has arrived. That may seem like a tall claim for a fledgling artist, but Eric Endres shows lots of promise to be a true successor to the folk icon. Skilled with pen and guitar, Endres can do some serious guitar picking and... [+] Expand

Move over, Bob Dylan. The new generation of folk-rock singer/songwriters has arrived. That may seem like a tall claim for a fledgling artist, but Eric Endres shows lots of promise to be a true successor to the folk icon. Skilled with pen and guitar, Endres can do some serious guitar picking and perfectly captures the essence of folk-rock in his music composition. Add to that some lyrics that capture the angst of that generation caught between the Boomers and that ill-named "X" generation, and you've got a sense of this fella's promise. Quiet Desperation is a self-published collection of nine tunes, seven of them penned exclusively by Endres. In an online interview with Endres, he noted that this album is a good example of his personal transition from being an addict and a bit lost in the world to making a rediscovery of his testimony of Christ. So, the songs focus on the feelings so common to a believer finding his way back, but not quite squarely back into full-fledged Christianity. So aptly, the opening number, "Why Am I?," which was co-written with songwriter pal Brian "Wonko" Thompson," provides a look at those mixed feelings of feeling independent, yet still needing the reassurance of the Lord. Set in a folk ballad, the piece begins with a guitar and flute, and then intensifies with just the addition of one instrument: drums. Very nice piece. He follows this up with the weird, almost psychedelic-feeling treatise on addiction, "Quiet Desperation." The song feels weird, but the music is still firmly folk rock and shows off some good guitar skills. But my three favorite pieces for his guitar talents are the moderately peppy "Day By Day," the folksy ballad "Mina," and the instrumental "Hard As Nails," which has a wonderful Spanish flamenco feel to it. Very, very nice piece. The album's closer is the strange "Easy As Pie," which leaves the listener wondering if they're supposed to be depressed or encouraged. Which is actually quite fitting given the history Endres says the songs have for him. All nine pieces were copyrighted in 1993, but he didn't release the collection until 1995-1996. Endres indicated he plans to self-publish his sophomore effort in the fall of 2000. ~ Dacia A. Blodgett-Williams, All Music Guide [-] Collapse

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