Preview: Anderson East, Flowers of the Broken Hearted

As the son of a gospel-singing father and grandson of a Southern Bapist pastor, it's no surprise that Nashville-based singer/songwriter Anderson East's brand of Americana is mixed with a generous helping of soul.  East is set to release his debut double LP Flowers of the Broken Hearted in September 2012.  Both halves will explore the same overall theme, albeit from two stylistically different perspectives.  Disc One will rest within the Americana and soul genres, while the second disc is more modern and dark.  The sample songs I've heard are very encouraging, as East channels Ray LaMontagne on the title track, while the fantastic, soaring "Fire Song" sounds a bit like James Vincent McMorrow.  "New Life/New York" suggests the influence of Ryan Adams, and not just for city name-checked in the title.

Indeed, fans of Adams' more introspective, somber work (think "The Shadowlands," "Starlite Diner," or "Wild Flowers") should really dig songs like "No Part" and "Expiration Date," as well as East's previously-released EP, Transitive Property [2011], which is available for free (or name your own price) on his bandcamp page.  Likewise, East's first EP, Fire Demos [2010], is also free at that same link.

East crowd-funded his double LP through PledgeMusic and has already met the project's target, which means that 10% of proceeds beyond that amount will support Water Aid, a charity that provides clean water to the world's poorest countries.

Check out the three-track sampler below.  With this kind of talent and sound, Anderson East is poised to break out in a big way.

And also check out an acoustic performance of "No Part":