Lucy Fitzgerald 
Damien Musto has put in real time on stages across the East Coast, and “Cracks in the Pavement” is the moment all that experience finally gets to breathe on its own. He cut his teeth as a guitarist in New Jersey bands small a.m. and Hey Tiger, built a reputation as a performer people remember, and even got the chance to open for Bon Jovi at MetLife Stadium. Add years on the road with OURS across the U.S. and Canada, and it’s clear this record didn’t come from nowhere. Jimmy Gnecco of OURS produced the album alongside Wayne Dorell, and that combination works. Gnecco brings a wide, moody atmosphere to the sound, while the songs themselves stay rooted in something real and personal. There’s a rock foundation underneath everything, but Damien isn’t afraid to let the emotional side of the writing take over when it needs to.
“Taking Chances” is a highlight, written in a hotel room during a tough stretch on tour. It’s a song about pushing forward when things feel uncertain, and about how the biggest rewards usually show up right after you decide to take the risk. It doesn’t feel written for effect. It feels like something Damien actually needed to say. I’ll be honest, this is one of those records that grows on you fast, and the mix of grit and openness here makes it easy to keep coming back to. Damien is also working with artist Kristy Chmura on her album “Inner Solstice”, which features drummer Christian Eigner of Depeche Mode, so there’s clearly a lot more coming from him.
If alternative rock with some real feeling behind it is your thing, give this one a spin. Stream “Cracks in the Pavement” front to back, let “Taking Chances” sit with you for a minute, and if it hits the way it hit me, throw it on your playlist and keep it there. Follow Damien on his socials too, so you don’t miss whatever he puts out next, because this record feels like the start of something bigger for him.
Listening to songs so you don’t have to! Just kidding :D, you totally should. Music blogger by day, nurse by night
