Review: Frank Hannon delivers evocative solo album, ‘Reflections’

The age of smartphones and mobile apps has opened the creative process in exciting ways. Using an Audigo microphone and its accompanying app, Frank Hannon of TESLA recorded his raw new solo album, Reflections, entirely on his cell phone. Featuring nothing but one takes, the 13-track instrumental collection radiates a soothing, soul-soaking warmth. Hannon’s guitar work steeps in pain and loss, while tugging on a Western style akin to the Allman Brothers. The emotional nature of the project pulls at the listener and puts them in a trance.

“Someone once told me, ‘play guitar like you’ll never be able to play again,’” Hannon shares in a press statement. “That’s what I did on this album–it’s all from the heart.” That is most evident with such standouts as “Poncho’s Song,” a dreamy, evocative waltz, and “Into the Blue,” a somber downpour. The richness of these tracks solidifies Hannon as a master of his craft, able to perfectly capture both the beauty and tragedy of life. The playful “Monkey Kitty” and the groove number “Plank Spankin'” give the listener momentary reprieves from the album’s potent heaviness. Even in the moodier tracks, there’s an intense electricity emanating from his fingertips that jolts the body awake; you can’t help but feel every emotion Hannon felt during the making of the work.

With Reflections, Hannon digs deep into his chest and roots around until he pulls out honest confessions about his life and what he’s endured. The glistening instrumentals say what words can’t possibly describe. The penultimate song, “This is Goodbye,” feels primed to be the soundtrack for the final, gutting moment in a Western film, yanking on the listener’s heartstrings until they snap. The quiet and delicate finale (the title track) heaves both a sad acceptance and a promise not to take life for granted.

Frank Hannon goes for a knockout punch with Reflections, a record so brutally haunting as it is thoughtful and provocative. Sometimes, words aren’t necessary to convey the emotions throbbing in your heart, and Hannon lets the music do the talking without any fuss. It’s among 2025’s best.

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