The Heat

Jesse Malin's second solo release finds the former D Generation frontman reflecting on the myriad acquaintances and experiences of life as a touring rock'n'roll musician. Here, Malin leans further into the rootsy rock of contemporaries like Ryan Adams—who produced his first post-D Generation effort, "The Fine Art of Self-Destruction," and who guests on guitar and vocals here—and Neil Young's grungy blues/rock. Surging electric guitars, feedback and powerful performances by Malin's touring band are balanced by ample acoustic guitar- and piano-based laments. "The Heat" is, not surprisingly, steeped in imagery of his hometown New York, but Malin's lyrics are sprinkled with direct and oblique references to any number of stops on a tour. No matter the setting, Malin's state of mind seems to veer from the euphoria of rock'n'roll to an inescapable loneliness. Overall, it's a solid, unashamedly honest portrait. Malin deserves every bit of the recognition his post-D Generation career is winning him.—CW