Review: Kiefer Sutherland – Down in a Hole

With the release of Down in a Hole, Kiefer Sutherland who is typically revered and known world-wide for his acting talents has officially taken the plunge into the deep end of the singer/songwriter pool. Thankfully, Sutherland loves to swim, metaphorically speaking. With each song on Down in a Hole being written exclusively by Sutherland or in consort with producer and longtime friend Jude Cole, it’s clear that this venture isn’t being treated as a pet project (e.g. Eddie Murphy, Bruce Willis & Russell Crowe) but rather, someone who is pursuing a longtime passion and treating the process as if it were one of his true loves. Down tempoed, Cant Stay Away opens up Down in a Hole. Telling the classic “should I follow my head or my heart” tale that parlays that same styling’s and sentiment with Truth in Your Eyes & I’ll Do Anything. All three tracks are relatable and set the tone for the bulk of the sixty-six minute record. With Going Home we finally we finally get to hear Sutherland let loose and turn up the tempo along with hearing his raspy, whiskey soaked honky tonk vocal abilities and damn it feels good! Unfortunately, the kick your heels up attitude doesn’t rear its head until song # 10 with the title track, Down in a Hole. Kiefer Sutherland’s band, made up of friends and arguably, some of the most gifted and accomplished musicians in music today. Michael Gurley (Vocals, Rhythm & Lead Guitar), Jess Calcaterra (Drums), Austin Vallejo (Vocals, Rhythm & Lead Guitar) & Joseph DeLeo (Bass).  While his writing collaborations with Cole result in a record that is full of conviction and character. Sutherland’s vocal deliveries are laid-back and unhurried, almost to a leisurely pace as not to hinder the picture that’s being painted on the lion’s share of Down in a Hole. All in all, Kiefer Sutherland comes across as if wants to earn the listeners respect through solid songwriting and musicianship instead of his current star power. Walking away, if nothing else I hope Sutherland can close the book on some of the old demons that this record looks in the face.