From the Vault // Lenny Lashley’s Gang of One — illuminator

Boston’s resident troubadour pulls all the right heart strings. ****/5

After being held in label release purgatory for over a year, Lenny Lashley’s Gang of One’s first full length album Illuminator delivers a heartfelt send up to rock n’ roll heroism with some of the most poignant lyrics of Lashley’s career.

The former Darkbuster and Piss Poor Boys frontman’s latest direction is a continuation of his eponymous EP.

The new album benefits from guests Pete Steinkopf and Bryan Keinlen of the Bouncing Souls and Joe Sirois of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones.

Illuminator breathes a beautiful story of pain and jealousy in “Happily,” detailing the struggle of coping with the aftermath of a self-aware, self-imploding relationship.

The single is immediate, stripping much of the worn artist to that of a human performer.

With an almost all too heavy-hand of influence from The Clash, “Gates” rolls with empowered optimism.

“Pick up the pieces
Don’t cry
They feed on your fears
Don’t believe the lies…

One of the album’s greatest strengths is its ability to find solace in life’s nuances that may otherwise be easily overlooked.

Blue-collar spirit exudes from Illuminator, a typical archetype of Boston street rock music.

Lashley has composed a proud addition to his canon, one that finds the songwriter confident in his abilities and never more attune to his strengths.