Austin John Winkler breaking away from Hinder may have scared us for a bit. He knew that as a song writer, he had gone as far as he could with the band, and rather than get caught up in Hinder’s forward momentum, he had to break free for this solo project. Three years later, Love Sick Radio has been released. From the first track, I was hooked, and though I love Hinder, I knew this was Austin’s purpose. The musical style was different than Hinder’s, proving that he is truly a versatile song writer. Of course, one cannot mistake that iconic voice, that voice that you could pick out of any vocal lineup.
His voice made those Hinder songs iconic. You could always feel Austin’s pain, rage, and joy from listening to it. Every song, as he has said, had his full emotional investment. “Clique to Follow” was a spot on commentary on pop culture. He sang about the things I try to squeeze in my articles about the modern stream, but rather than sound like a vindictive loon such as myself, Austin uses hummer and the tremendous vocal talents of Sophie Summers. There is no better person to comment on pop culture than this long time musical icon.
Sophie Summers is featured more prominently on “The Plague.” After listening to this album, you will probably rush back to your music store to sift through the “S” section. This rising star is someone to keep an eye on. Sophie is not the only guest singer. Country singer Jessie James Decker provides her angelic vocals on “Howlin,” a love song that will rival the emotional pull of “Lips of an Angel” from days of old. “Road to Paradise” is one of the deepest songs in terms vocals. There’s something about it I can’t explain that just makes you think. Listening to albums like this is the paradise. This album proves that Austin John Winkler can stand on his own two feet as a song writer and there will be more to come. Check iTunes for Love Sick Radio, or better still, check your local record store.
