The 12-song Vampire throws more strings and and even a steel drum or two into the mix. Hell, John even throws in a cheap Casio piano in as one of the instruments for a little diversity. The new record features lush tracks such as “A Small Clearing” and “The Only Evidence,” in which Ralston turns the album into flowing and light tendencies, while keeping the music far from sparse. Ralston’s soulful voice grows the strongest later in the record, on tracks like “Beautiful Disarmed” and “Second Hand Lovers.”

The album was self-produced by mixed by Grammy-winner soundman Charles Dye, who’s mixed albums for Aerosmith and Lauryn Hill. The quality of the sound of the new record really shows growth for Ralston.

Ralston has been out promoting Sorry Vampire for much of the fall, and he is coming back around again. On February 7^th, Ralston recently began a tour with Limbeck, which will last through a March 27^th show. The tour will head to Detroit this Saturday (February 23^rd), opening for Limbeck at the Magic Stick.

If you are looking for complete rich and full pop sounds, Ralston’s Sorry Vampire may be just your ticket.

John Ralston will be playing with Limbeck at the Magic Stick on Saturday, February 23^rd. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. Additional dates are available at www.john-ralston.com.