John DeGrazio -wt Abandoned World -wl Watersound -wf Depressingly melancholic and refreshingly upbeat in equal measure, Abandoned World makes for an extremely interesting listen. DeGrazio, a two-time ASCAP award winner, is a solo artist in the truly literal sense: writing and playing almost everything in sight on all 12 songs – no mean feat considering the diversity of styles displayed here. -wm From the folk styling of “Let It Go,” to the modern rock of “With You Always” and standout cut “Something Chemical,” to the Gabriel-esque undertones of “Under The Weather,” Abandoned World evokes a plethora of influences as diverse as Splender and the Wallflowers, as well as less commercial leanings. -wm It’s an impressive combination, and the quality continues on tracks like the pop-rock of “Water” and the pensive reflections of the country-tinged “Dream A Little While,” as DeGrazio manages to create a lush sonic landscape and heavy atmosphere in his music. -wm Almost entirely self-produced, self penned and self-performed and filled with strong songs, Abandoned World should be an inspiration for every independent artist out there. Whether he remains independent for much longer, remains to be seen. -wd John DeGrazio: http://www.johndegrazio.com/ -wb Andrew Ellis