Each album expanded upon Finn’s mythologized Twin Cities; with each song being a character driven vignette set to the soundtrack of Springsteen meets Hüsker Dü. However, Finn’s solo debut is a departure from the tallboy soaked tracks, heavily seasoned with pop culture references and homages. Clear Heart Full Eyes proves that Finn is as much a writer and a novelist as he is a musician. The yarns that he weaves on the album are of individuals who are displaced, lost and alone. And despite the dark cloud that pervades most of the album, these are some of the most endearing narratives that Finn has crafted. While it does not have the bombastic beer fueled energy of The Hold Steady; Clear Heart Full Eyes makes up for it with honesty and heart.