CD Review: SPiN - Spin EP

SPiN – Spin EP
2008, SPiN

Rock Is Not Dead. Despite the oft repeated refrain, rock is alive and well. Today we visit Philadelphia, PA and SPiN; one of the more pleasant surprises I’ve found of late. No bass player? No problem! SPiN offers up infectious, high-energy rock and roll on their debut: Spin EP. Released in November, 2007, this CD has already garnered Top-10 placement on the FMQB charts and some positive response from commercial radio. You can not listen to this disc without be-bopping along, unless you’re clinically deceased. And I wouldn’t make any arguments against SPiN in that case, either.

The disc opens with the straightforward rocker Not In Love, which combines driving guitar, soaring harmonies and a melody that will stay with you for days. Home is a rock ballad that builds on a flamenco riff and lush string arrangements to craft a bit of pop magic. This is your classic, heart-on-the-sleeve love song that many rock acts have lost the art of making (or become too caught up in). The song evolves into an urgent plea, utilizing some of the best rock theatric writing I’ve heard in some time.

There is a bit of theater in the music of SPiN. Based on this first EP, they just might be the total package musically. Great songwriting, smart lyrics, a profound sense of melody and harmony, and a vocalist (Eric Rothenheber) you could listen to all day long. Check out Bleed, which may just be the best pure rock song I’ve heard in some time. Buy the disc. Support their muse. This is what rock and roll is all about.

Rating: 5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about SPiN at www.spinrocks.com or www.myspace.com/spinrocks. You can download the Spin EP from iTunes or Amazon.com.