Photo courtesy of Jason Kutchma

In a lot of ways, a solo album from Jason Kutchma was always inevitable. That’s not a knock to Red Collar, the restless and redemptive barroom punk act he’s led for the past few years. That band is a tremendous outlet for his most ferocious songs, as he channels Joe Strummer and Bruce Springsteen in equal measure, growling about the bitter ends that swiftly follow failed ideals.

But there’s always been more to his aesthetic than aggression. Take “Tonight,” the brittle and beautiful acoustic ballad that appears near the end of Red Collar’s 2010 LP Pilgrim. His acoustic chugs patiently, driving a piercing confessional about the way the future catches us by surprise. Indeed, Kutchma is a remarkably multifaceted songwriter, a reality that shines on Pastoral, his full-length solo debut.

The record, due in July via Last Chance Records, puts Kutchma’s talent in sharp relief. Backed by the Five Fifths, an ace Triangle band that includes members of The Honored Guests, Maple Stave, Some Army and Rat Jackson, Kutchma takes a tour through various rock forms, imbuing each with his unique and infectious personality. Several cuts, including the sweeping, harmonica-and-pedal-steel-powered “The End of the World,” conquer lush E Street folk rock with confident ease. The proto-punk shuffle of “Teenage DMZ” fits its lyrical conceit perfectly, as Kutchma eviscerates the closed-mindedness that comes with age. And “Used to Believe” affirms his talent for tender balladry as his croon is accompanied by nothing but a guitar and the jangle of his spurs.

With Pastoral due in July and a new Red Collar LP slated for June, Kutchma’s summer promises to be quite busy. He’ll tour with the Five Fifths in anticipation of the release, traversing the east coast in May and June. See the complete tour dates below as well as a stream of lead single “There’s a Light On.” —Jordan Lawrence

April 11 – Chapel Hill, NC – Local 506 w/ Tim Fite, Kenny Roby
April 12 – Raleigh, NC (solo) – Slim’s w/ Chelsea Crowell, BJ Barham, Reese McHenry, Lizzy Ross
April 27 – Durham, NC – Broad Street Cafe w/ Deep Chatham
May 9 – Washington, DC – Velvet Lounge w/ Lucas & the Lovelys, The NRIs
May 10 – Manhattan, NY  – Googie’s Lounge * # also w/Free Advice
May 11 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Rod & Gun * also w/Rayvon Browne
May 12 – Manhattan, NY – Pianos Lounge * # also w/Jake & His Very Own
May 13 – Long Island, NY – The Church House Show * #
June 1 – Raleigh, NC – Tir Na Nog w/ Brice Randall Bickford and Filthybird
June 8 – Hillsborough, NC – Barn Show
June 13 – Harrisonburg, VA – TBA
June 14 – Shepherdstown, WV – Blue Moon Cafe
June 15 – Pittsburgh, PA – TBA w/ The Red Western
June 16 – Ithaca, NY – TBA
June 17 – Montreal, QC – TBA
June 19 – Peterborough, ON – Garnet w/ Ivy Mairi (of Bruce Peninsula), Joe Fortin
June 20 – Toronto, ON – Holy Oak Cafe w/ Ryan Driver, Lisa Bozikovik
June 21 – Toronto, ON – Cameron House w/ Ivy Mairi, Chris Coole, Kirsten Scholte
June 22 – Ann Arbor, MI – House Show, # also w/ Alexander Silver and Sacred Strays
June 23 – Ypsilanti, MI – Woodruffs # also w/ Appleseed Collective, Strawberry Heritage
June 24 – Grand Rapids, MI – House Show # also w/ Jacob Bullard, Sacred Strays
June 25 – Kalamazoo, MI @ Old Dog Tavern # also w/ Appleseed Collective, Strawberry Heritage
June 26 – Chicago, IL – TBA – #
June 28 – Bloomington, IN – TBA
June 29 – Huntington, WV @ V Club

* w/Adam & the Amethysts
# w/The Weather Station