Kiefer Sutherland channels country legends and bares his soul on his debut album Down In A Hole…

There’s a new country star on the rise, and the heartfelt crooner boasts a familiar face. British-born Canadian actor, producer, and now singer songwriter Kiefer Sutherland had his big break on the TV show 24 in the early millennium. Now the actor is turning his attention to a different project and pursuing a passion for country music.

Earlier this year Sutherland made his premiere with the release of his worldweary debut single “Not Enough Whiskey,” and now he’s gearing up to release his first studio album Down In A Hole.

Sutherland’s brand of country features sparse instrumental productions and introspective lyricism. In a way, the entirety of Down In A Hole acts as a glimpse into Sutherland’s deepest musing as well as a musical journey. The album is lush with emotions such as heart ache and longing, yet Kiefer Sutherland soldiers ever forward. Like the country legends of the past, he wears bruises of heartache on his sleeve and transforms the difficulties into solid listening.

This is rapidly evident when looking at the 11 tracks that make up Down In A Hole…

Love and (especially) lost love clearly played a massive role in the development of Down In A Hole. Over the course of the album Kiefer Sutherland faces off against his heart and strives to find a happier tomorrow while making peace with his past.

Down In A Hole opens with the album’s second single “Can’t Stay Away.” The lovesick single sees the artist admit that can’t survive without his partner by his side over a lush instrumental. Sutherland delivers the lyrics with a frank honesty; he’s hooked on his lover, and he simply can’t get enough. It’s one of the more uplifting numbers on the album and opens things with a sense of optimism.

Kiefer continues to bare his heart to loved ones, and on “I’ll Do Anything” he offers his heart for a chance at love. There is a remarkable earnestness to his promises, and it’s easily one of the sweetest tracks on the the album. 

With the loss of love comes the opportunity to move on, and Kiefer tackles that topic on “Truth In Your Eyes.” The track sees the lovelorn artist moving on and putting a relationship to rest. “You are my only / my one and only / you were the love of my life” he croons, while simultaneously letting go of the memories. 

The album’s lead single “Not Enough Whiskey” remains a standout track in his discography. The brooding release features one of the most twangy productions on the album, and Sutherland’s vocals are particularly evocative as he trudges forward with a worldweary rasp. Drowning his pain in a bottle, the crooner struggles to forget about a loved one in his past, but just can’t find enough alcohol to purge the memories. It’s a heart achingly relatable release, and one of the most raw on the album.

“Calling Out Your Name” acts as the natural pair to “Not Enough Whiskey.” It’s almost like the night before the whiskey binge or the 

morning after, when the reality of the distance between lovers hits. “My Best Friend” puts an optimistic spin on the heartache, as Kiefer Sutherland prays to find stability and friendship in himself. It’s a grounding number, and it shows that the crooner isn’t done fighting for himself just yet. However weary he may be, there’s a spark of fight that just won’t go out.

While his musicality will undoubtedly resonate with country fans, Kiefer Sutherland proves himself capable of crossover throughout the release. The artist adopts a rock edge on the striding “Going Home,” on which he leaves a barroom brawl and is assaulted by memories of a lover as he walks out. The theme of moving on continues through the track, as he tries to find a safe haven outside of the regularity of his life. 

A rocking edge was also injected into the project’s title track, which features some of Sutherland’s move experimental vocals. After struggling to find a respite from the monotony of the past, “Down In The Hole” sees him fighting his way forward. It’s possibility one of the grittiest numbers on the album, with quite literal imagery evoked through the lyrics. 

Down In A Hole closes out with the downtempo “Gonna Die.” The barebones production that permeated the album is at it’s most restrained on the track, which sees Sutherland making one last attempt to find peace before time is gone. His honest lyricism speaks to anyone who is striving to make an impression on the world and the people dearest to them. It’s the obvious choice to close out the collection of musings, and it effortlessly showcases the best elements of Kiefer Sutherland’s musicality.

In all, Down In A Hole is a successful musical debut from the likes of Sutherland. The actor turned country crooner proves himself more than capable of crossing over into a new venture, and his passion for the project is overwhelmingly evident. Characterized by it’s stark productions and earnest lyricism, we predict that Down In A Hole will open a new series of opportunities to Kiefer Sutherland.

After making his stage debut at the Grand Ole Opry earlier this year, we’re hoping that Sutherland continues to pursue music. Down In A Hole has proven that he has a lot to say, and we want to continue listening.

Kiefer Sutherland’s Down In A Whole is set for release on August 19th. Pick up a copy HERE!