While larger bands usually benefit from the combined creative energy and ideas of their members, solo projects can also be uniquely powerful, offering a focused "signature" of a single artist. With his solo album Eau, Dave Tilton presents a cycle of acoustic songs, each in some way about water. It's truly a solo project, as Tilton plays all of the instruments (guitar, bass, harmonica, organ, sax, trumpet, banjo, kalimba, jaws harp, congas, tambourine, synth, and siren), sings the vocal parts, handles the arrangements, engineering and mixing, and is even responsible for the graphic artwork and cover photograph. The tracks themselves are as diverse as Tilton's talents, with spoken word pieces ("10:15"), moody instrumentals ("By Her Window"), a capella ("The Long Goodbye") and traditionally-structured blues songs. Tilton's vocals are reminiscent of an earthier Tom Petty, while his lyrics reveal a quick, analytical and clever mind. He comes across as creative, versatile, original and independent. His songs describe someone with large ambitions who finds it difficult to be tolerant and understanding of those who desire less in life or who are more slow and methodical by nature. Flowing water is an appropriate theme, especially for someone who obviously yearns for the freedom to express himself individually and creatively, without restriction. With Eau, Tilton opens the floodgates and pours forth his soul.