Tim Rogers’ new solo album, An Actor Repairs, follows the story of an elderly actor as they’re coming to terms with retirement – and perhaps doubles as a self-reflection on Rogers’ own career.
An Actor Repairs is a fitting title, both musically and conceptually. The record is divided up into three acts, the progression documented through sections of chaos, calm and resolution.
‘The Bug’ is rife with dissonance as a whirlwind of strings and vocals compete with one another. But when the album shifts tone, it moves into a country/jazz direction, introducing some stability and melody on ‘One More Late Night Phone Conversation’.
If this is a screenplay, the final track, ‘Cars And Girls’, is the resolution. As the final chord plays, you almost expect a standing ovation to follow. It’s a definitive end to this actor’s tale, if not Rogers’ time in the spotlight. After all, could you ever keep this man quiet?
These 12 tracks are a journey of ups and downs, demonstrating both light and dark moments. An Actor Repairs presents itself as a narrative, and the music is a fine representation of Rogers’ evolution.
An Actor Repairs is out Friday April 28 through Four Four/Universal.
