On the self-titled Sadler Vaden (out August 12 through Sadler Vaden), the guitarist for Jason Isbell’s 400 Unit evokes an era of Southern-rock riffing and arena-rock anthems, with cuts echoing the soaring harmonies of the Eagles (“Get You High,” “Into the Woods”) and the crunch of Neil Young with Crazy Horse (“Land of No Refuge”). Vaden previously spent some time in Drivin’ N Cryin’, and it’s a credit to his all-around musicality that he doesn’t treat his songs as pegs for self-indulgent soloing. His warm vocals and crisp production (with Paul Ebersold) make for a consistently engaging solo debut, particularly for those who recall the ‘70s as fondly as the artist must. Except for the buoyant, propulsive cover of John Moreland’s “Nobody Gives a Damn About Songs Anymore,” Vaden wrote all the material here. Some of the lyrics slip into cliché, but that goes with the territory of ramblin’ men who have to move on and free their souls (and occasionally lay their burdens down). And the musical dynamics of songs such as “End of the Road,” “Can’t Have It All” and the atmospheric “Into the Woods” leave such clichés in the dust. Vaden has plainly listened to his share of classic-rock radio, and has forged his musical values in that crucible.
