Music

Out of the Dark

Steve Freuhauf |

A steady fusion of horns, woodwinds, and acoustic guitar binds together Eau Claire local Tony Rongstad’s debut album, Dark Third. Released March 1, the folk-inspired LP features all original songs and delivers an earthy, natural sound throughout. Rongstad said the album, which features some tracks that are more than 15 years old, has been a long time coming – although it wasn’t until his family and friends began urging him to finally put something together that he started recording at Pine Hollow Audio in Eau Claire two years ago. While the first part of the record sticks to a more simplistic sound, the latter half shows some experimentation with an amped production style and electric influence. Tracks like “Chase Me Down” and “What’s the Word” are prime examples, incorporating some faster-paced electric guitar and banjo solos to complement the album’s tight vocals. Dark Third features 10 different musicians as well, including Rongstad’s son Matt and the album’s executive producer, Evan Middlesworth. Dark Third is available on CD at The Local Store, 205 N. Dewey St., or can be downloaded online at Amazon.com.