Wonderfully welcoming

Continuing to add to his rich solo career, Franky Perez delivers his latest album, Crossing the Great Divide. The album features a calm Americana soundscape that reigns throughout with many elements that cross that great musical divide.

Hearing the name Franky Perez may begin to ring some bells to those who delve into the rock and metal world. Most famous for his work with Finnish metal band Apocalyptica, Perez broke away from the group in 2002 to pursue a solo musical career. Crossing the Great Divide comes in as Perez’s fourth solo studio album following his 2020 release, Suddenly 44. Just as featured within his previous records, this release features a softer soundscape than the one featured with Apocalyptica, creating a welcoming feeling to any that may come across this new record.

The somewhat title track “ The Great Divide Ft. Eicca Toppinen” is a space cowboy’s ultimate love song. With a rich acoustic American vibe, the song sings of loving hard and running off to the “great divide” oh so “far from our world.” The song does give off a bit of a Train tone vocally, feeling similar in octave and timbre.  

Like a modern-day,” Hotel California,” the song “California 1976” makes the mind almost immediately think of the Eagle’s original. There is something about the acoustic strum that sparkles nostalgia in the mind but now with a modern Americana twist. The track starts with the ever-familiar flight attendant’s announcement of arrival in Los Angeles as the place descends.   

“What Gives You the Right” brings in the album’s ballad, but with a stinging punch. The track starts slow and soft, though takes a turn towards an uplifting power shift. This is the anthem for anyone reaching the freedom point of heartbreak. It is the musical equivalent of breaking free of the chains of pain and sadness and finding strength in one’s self. The message presented throughout this song is one that all listening can relate to. 

Closing out the record is, “Leaning into the Wind.” Featuring a jiving bassline that leaves the ears wishing there was more of it through the album. It is the highlight of the song, adding a wonderful playfulness. “Leaning into the Wind” culminates the album in a beautiful uplifting way, leaving the listener dancing away as the song jams out to the last few seconds.

Franky Perez delivered a rich and comforting record. Crossing the Great Divide is a great chill Americana record to play at any kickback.