By: David Schultz

No one has ever accused Tom Morello of being shy. Charismatic singers may have fronted Rage Against The Machine and Audioslave but Morello's voice has never been far from the surface. As The Nightwatchman, his political folk alter ego, Morello gives his own distinctive voice to his high-minded, populist idealism and keeps alive the belief that one man with a guitar can bring about social change. On One Man Revolution, his solo debut, Morello doesn't offer many solutions to the social woes and political inequities he chronicles, but he does let those in charge know he's watching, acutely observing and taking really good notes for future reference and karmic retribution.

One Man Revolution is essentially Morello and his guitar, in The Nightwatchman's world, the revolution will not be amplified. Although he derives the melody for "The Road I Must Travel" from Irish rebel songs, for the most part Morello keeps the guitar simple, letting the lyrics and message carry the day. When the righteous indignation flows, Morello's at his best: on "Let Freedom Ring," he channels Springsteen's pensive side and on "Union Song" he rowdily gives voice to the working man. His efforts at campfire think pieces like "Battle Hymns" and "The Garden Of Gethsemane" come across as listless, especially when set next to the fiery, passion of "House Gone Up In Flames" and "Flesh Saves The Day."

Morello's deep voice has a warm, somewhat comforting quality, like that of a strong protector; were he not on your side though, it would be quite menacing. In adopting his Nightwatchman persona, Morello hasn't sacrificed his ability to turn a powerful phrase, a hallmark of Rage Against The Machine's better moments. On "Maximum Firepower," he sums up the theme of One Man Revolution in a simple maxim, "if you take a step towards freedom, it will take two steps towards you."

Labels: The Nightwatchman, Tom Morello