Tim Tucker talks in a Decatur, Alabama accent, has a ’90s Britpop look and just released an EP that’s one of this year’s best local releases. “Sunset Blue, Vol. 1″ is a six-song set of power-pop-folk-rock echoing Tom Petty, “Alladin Sane,” and a certain Manchester sibling combo. Key tracks include the paisley “Star with Me,” glittery “Can You Take Me Out?” and anthemic “Sisters of the Summer.”

Tucker set out to make a sunset-drive windows-down record. He got there. Big guitars. Bulbous melodies. Tucker’s lyrics aren’t trying to solve all the problems. They describe what it’s like to be neck-up in grownup scars and charms. His musical arrangements aren’t trying to show off how many chords he knows either.

“It’s certainly not Steely Dan-esque,” Tuckers says. “I’m not a super-talented musician, so when the music comes it’s a simpler melody.” That’s being humble, though. Being clever with simplicity is one of the most difficult things to do in music and songwriting – and it’s done throughout “Sunset Blue, Vol. 1.”

Tucker is known for playing keyboards for the likes of Georgia slide-guitar ace Michelle Malone. Back in the ‘90s, his ‘80s-covers touring band, The Cheesebrokers, once jammed with Prince. More recently, his song “Go Easy On Me” was featured in the Kevin Bacon-starring Showtime series “City on a Hill.”

Over the years, Huntsville-based Atlanta Rhythm Section guitarist/Brother Cane alum Dave Anderson has been a frequent studio collaborator of Tucker’s. But Tucker and Huntsville’s other all-CAPS musical Dave – “Microwave” Dave Gallaher – hadn’t recorded together. Until now.

“Sunset Blue, Vol. 1″ features lead guitar from Anderson and Gallaher on several tracks. Anderson alchemizes Brian May and David Gilmour on “What The Sun Showed Me Today,” “Every Little Step” and “Sisters of the Summer.” Tucker says of making music with Anderson, also known for his work with Brother Cane, “I have never really had to explain to him, anything. But he asks. He’s unbelievable.”

Gallaher’s guitar turn on “Stay With Me” isn’t what some fans of this Alabama blues icon might expect. Microwave Dave breaks out his vintage Flying V for some pop-savvy spangles and “Live at Leeds” clang. During the song’s interlude, it’s cowpoke gravitas on a locally made T. Shepard baritone guitar. Tucker says Anderson also played a T. Shepard guitar or two on “Sunset Blue, Vol. 1.”

Gallaher thinks his out of the blues-box playing on the track might’ve surprised Tucker. “I liked the song a lot, by the way,” Gallagher says. “Damn good.”

A third guest guitarist on the new EP is best-known for his drumming but is also deadly on a guitar: James Irvin, drummer with Gallaher’s Microwave Dave & The Nukes. Irvin’s glam-wave knots spark “Wastin My Time (Tabs Tune)” the parenthetical of which is a nod to a friend of Tucker’s. Musicians on Tucker’s EP also include Chicago based drummer/producer Sigurdur Birkis and ex-Plain White T’s musician Dave Tirio on bass.

It took Tucker five years to put together the new EP because of the pandemic etcetera. Mark it years well spent.

Tim Tucker’s album can be streamed on Spotify and other platforms. Tonight, like right now, he’s playing an album release show at The Electric Bell, located at Stovehouse, address 3414 Governors Drive S.W. The show is free.

MORE ON HUNTSVILLE CULTURE:

The spirit of classic Huntsville restaurant Zesto rides again

What’s next for Huntsville’s best young singer/songwriter?

The origins and continuing impact of Huntsville’s signature beer

New Huntsville music venue aims for vintage vibes, rising touring acts

This great Huntsville pizza stand is a local musician’s new jam

The future of Huntsville’s guitars might be in this guy’s hands

This new Huntsville record store is small but awesome