The understated instrumentation and stripped production of
Lost & Found,
Griffin House's Nettwerk America debut, lends the Ohio songwriter's work a quietly rewarding intensity. With most songs running by on his thin but inviting vocal, rangy acoustic guitar, and a mix of atmospherics and quiet percussion,
House's songs can avoid being qualified alongside the more mainstream roots pop of
Pete Yorn or
Josh Kelley. Sometimes
House tailgates his influences just a little too closely, whether that means
Jeff Buckley ("Waterfall"),
Springsteen ("Liberty Line"), or even
Coldplay ("Why Won't You Believe?"). But this just means he needs a little seasoning.
House still has plenty to offer on
Lost & Found, particularly in the gentle dobro meander of "Just a Dream," or opener "Amsterdam," where he plays the melancholic, naïve American to a tee. (Nice touches of toy piano, too.) "Missed My Chance" is another highlight, particularly in its lyrics. Overall,
Lost & Found is a nice introduction to
Griffin House, even if its overly referential songwriting discourages an extended stay. Fans of shaggily sensitive singers in gingham cowboy shirts, take note. ~ Johnny Loftus