John Egan - Better Late than Never (2023)

The John Egan Band is an original rock’n’roll band from Providence, Rhode Island. Their music spans a number of genres, including Americana, Roots Rock, Singer-Songwriter, and Power-Pop. John sings and plays guitar and harmonica; Matt Thorsen plays guitar and sings backup; Pete Wingate plays bass, guitar, mandolin, and fiddle; and Dan Styklunus plays drums. Sometimes the next installment of a creative endeavor takes longer than expected. Life can get in the way along with all the obstacles that come with it. With this being said, when it comes to fruition it can be rewarding for both the artist and whoever is experiencing the final product. This is the case with the Warwick based singer-songwriter John Egan, who’s releasing his new album “Better Late Than Never” via Bugaboo Records on July 14. It comes 28 years after his debut release “Just Like A Human Being” while embodying the theme of never giving up. It’s also a genuinely independent record that has him being joined by talented musicians on all the tracks.

These folks include Matt Thorsen on guitar & vocals, multi-instrumentalist Pete Wingate on bass, mandolin, guitar, and fiddle and Dan Styklunas on drums. Along with Egan, each of their involvement resulted in a cohesive record that has a ton of substance from beginning to end.

“I started out in a DIY mindset, and I still consider myself in a DIY context,” Egan says about the album. “We are an independent band. This album was an independent project. Bugaboo Records is not some major label with staff and a big budget, it’s just me. I am the staff and I have zero budget. Is there an age limit for rock’n’roll? It’s easy to think you can’t trust anyone over thirty until you’re over thirty. I’ll stop writing and playing music when I don’t want to do it anymore. That day has not arrived.”

In a sonic sense, “Better Late Than Never” is a classic example of an Americana album. There are noticeable Tom Petty, Neil Young and Bob Dylan influences but at the same time Egan isn’t trying to rip them off. The originality is refreshing while the arrangements have a distinct flow that’s accented by Wingate’s wide array of instrumentation. There’s a sonic impact being forged that’s nice and easy as well, nothing is in your face or unbearably intense. Egan utilizes this approach in excellent fashion while showing his essence as a songwriter in every song.

This is apparent in the songs “Since She Left Me Behind”, “Brand New Pair Of Jeans”, “Crosstown Bus” and “Dear Melinda”. Another thing that’s apparent is the acoustic foundation and how the guitars, bass, mandolin, fiddle and drums feed off of it. The best way to experience what I just mentioned is by purchasing the upcoming album and giving it a listen after it comes out. To do just that, log on to Egan’s website at johneganband.com. If you’re looking to grab a physical copy, stop by The Island on 1600 Victory Highway in Smithfield on the same night of its release.

It’s one of those albums that has a lot to offer and the best way to realize it is by plugging in and pressing play.