Dolson's departure from the Ohio music scene nearly two years ago might have been the best thing to happen to his career.

"I didn't walk away hoping to 'reinvent myself as an artist,' as they say, or to embark on some overtly profound and philosophical self-reflection,” Dolson said. “Life just sort of happened. I was struggling in a lot of ways with finding my place. The music I created through all that is really a reflection of what I was going through.”

Since Dolson and his vocal-driven brand of rock emerged out of Akron five years ago, the 24-year-old North East Ohio native has awed crowds along the East Coast and throughout the Midwest with rich melodies and unique sounds, ranging in style from classic pop piano to industrial electronic rock. With the upcoming release of "Eightynine," Dolson again realizes the raw, emotional power of music to transform and inspire. This coming-of-age lyrical memoir will captivate loyal fans and win new ones with its diverse, soulful track list.

“Eightynine” is the result of the often disappointing transition toward adulthood. The 14-track album tells the story of a spirited young man burgeoning into the real world; only to learn how easily dreams are shattered along the way. Amid his confusion – through heartache, anger and enduring convictions – Dolson weaves together threads of love and despair in the all too familiar journey from hope to cynicism. With this album, Dolson emerges from his 17-month furlough with a new life outlook and invigorated passion for his art.

After recording his first EP in Nashville four years ago a catchy, pop-driven collection of rock songs produced and mixed by Grammy Award-winners Mitch Dane and Vance Powell, Dolson lit up the regional music scene, catching substantial airtime on local radio stations. But despite his success winning the attention of crowds and local producers, Dolson set down his guitar in the winter of 2007. Months shy of college graduation, he focused his energies toward the common — and far more accepted — pursuit of steady income, love and, ultimately, a rightful place in society.

"I didn't set out to create an album," Dolson said. "Not at all. But music has always been a release for me. In a world defined by text messages, Tweets and wall posts, music is still the only way I know how to communicate without jumbling the message in translation. I didn't sit down and write this album. I just lived it."

Dolson produced and recorded more than half "Eightynine" in his basement studio with the help of longtime friend, Jonathan Penn. From there, Dolson again headed for Nashville, this time seeking help from artist and producer Andy Osenga. It takes only a short listen of piano-driven tracks like “I’ll Never Be” and the heart-pounding electronic rhythm of "Could Be You" to understand that "Eightynine", a diverse and spirit-filled collection of musical wanderings, is by and far this young artist’s best work yet.