While Ira Ingber's (http://www.iraingber.com) raspy voice is reminiscent of both Peter Gabriel (most likely an influence) and E from the Eels (probably not), his music is definitely in the vein of the Los Angeles singer/songwriter.
This is not pop music or even mainstream rock as we know it now. In fact, is there such a thing as mainstream rock anymore? The Golden Age of AOR faded with grunge, and rock is either played by veterans (Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen) or by alternative acts (Pearl Jam, the Arctic Monkeys). Ingber belongs to the more experimental side of the Male Solo Artist, knee-deep in the wordsmith hipness of Bob Dylan and the musical cleverness of Steely Dan. In fact, "This Gives Me a Plan" is a dead ringer for vintage Steely Dan with its quirky beats and studio sheen.
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Ingber, who has collaborated behind-the-scenes with rock and roll icons such as Van Dyke Parks, Brian Wilson, and Captain Beefheart, has finally stepped out of the shadows to showcase his own material. It's not easy listening as Ingber's sonic eccentricities take a few spins to grown on you such as the horn-powered "Trickery" and the scratchy "What Lies Ahead." The spoken-word samples on "Fact Is" is a tad disorienting on initial listen, but it flows smoothly after repeated listens.
Ingber likes to challenge the listener, which is a great change of pace from so many musicians these days taking safe roads.
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