Andy Lampert Brings The Pleasant-Sounding Pain

If you have a hankerin’ for the bygone era of power-pop, there’s a local artist you may want to take a listen to. You know what I’m talking about: jangly chords, bluesy riffs and hooks that dig in deep. 10 Songs of Pain is local songwriter Andy Lampert’s attempt to turn depression into music everybody can enjoy.

Despite singing and playing guitar in bands around Rhode Island since the 1980s, 10 Songs of Pain will be Lampert’s first album. More recently, he served as rock trio The Providence Riots’ frontman and primary songwriter, but became disillusioned with being the man in the middle. Upon his return from a trip to Eastern Europe, he decided it was time to go solo and record the album that never materialized.

As the album’s title implies, Lampert draws on his personal demons as much of the subject matter, like that time he (maybe) went insane in Warsaw at the sight of his girl with another man. But the often-grim themes pair well with the bright, tight musical arrangements. Nothing on the album feels like a throwaway, which is probably a distinct advantage of waiting decades to release an album.

“Tree Climbing Goats,” is a catchy truck featuring some truly bleak subject material; he says things like, “It’s all a childish game that I’m destined to always lose,” over a shimmering, psychedelic melody. “Chance to Be” is about the desire to just be given one chance to prove yourself to somebody, with some suicide contemplation mixed in. One doesn’t like to assume that profound personal turmoil is necessary to produce worthwhile art, but I’m sure it can’t hurt. “Annoying Qualities” delivers a dose of sax-infused glam jam, a la T. Rex in the early ’70s.

If you like what you’re hearing and want to experience it live, you’re in for some good news. Luckily, Andy has rediscovered the formidable power of a rock band! His new group, featuring hand-picked local talent, will celebrate the 10 Songs of Pain release on August 28 at the Fatt Squirrel. The bill also includes Blackbutton, Running Maid and 3 Parts Dead, and is being presented by the New England Artists Coalition and Midday Records. To get the vintage sound that you remember and the mental suffering that you hopefully don’t, give Andy Lampert a try.

The 10 Songs of Pain release party will be held on Friday, August 28 at The Fatt Squirrel, located at 150 Chestnut Street in Providence. The show is 21+.