Zach Williams And The Reformation - A Southern Offering

Zach Williams And The Reformation - A Southern Offering
2011, Zach Williams And The Reformation

Zach Williams And The Reformation proves that growth is a good thing on their impressive sophomore album, A Southern Offering.  The band's previous effort, Electric Revival, was written solely by Williams.  This time out, Williams brings lyrics and his soulful rock voice and the rest of the band crafts the music.  The result is a stunning ode to the history of southern rock n roll, displaying the influence of bands such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers, Molly Hatchet and the Black Crowes.  In the process, Zach Williams And The Reformation has created a vibrant and modern album.  Producer Kevin Beamish (REO Speedwagon, Stevie Wonder, Elton John) helps capture the dynamic sound of ZWR with a live energy and a sense of polish that brings out the rough beauty of the music.

A Southern Offering opens with the vibrant southern friend rock n roll of "Gravy Train", a joyous number full of all the panache of bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd and .38 Special.  "Mason Jar" is a solid piece of songwriting with a mildly soulful vocal from Williams.  "Fool's Moon" plays like it could be a Bob Seger outtake, and has a melody that will stay with you.  "Picture Perfect" is a mellow rock ballad that makes the most of Williams' soulful voice against a blues backdrop that does the title justice.  "The Fix" opens with a guitar riff that sounds like something cooked up by ZZ Top, and blows up into a full rock sound on the chorus that's infectious.

"Motels And Highways" is a world-weary lament of a man who makes his living on the road.  ZWR picks up steam on "Rock N Roll Me", a blues rocker that sounds like a southern fried Zeppelin tune if David Coverdale were sitting in for Robert Plant.  There's real energy in this tune, which is among the best on the album.  "PO Box And A Postcard" is a speculative number building off the ideas in "Motels And Highways".  ZWR sounds a lot like the Black Crowes here, as Williams ruminates on love lost.  "Wishing Well" and “Sky Full Of Treasure” close things out in consistent yet unsurprising style.

Zach Williams And The Reformation impress on A Southern Offering.  With a sound steeped in classic southern rock yet updated with a modern edge, ZWR stands to capture the attention of several generations of classic and southern rock fans.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Zach Williams And The Reformation at www.zwrnation.com or www.myspace.com/zwreformation.  A Southern Offering is available digitally from Amazon.com and iTunes.

Geoff Davin - Breakline

Geoff Davin - Breakline

2011, Geoff Davin

Geoff Davin was bitten by the music bug early on, writing songs from the tender age of five.  A professional actor from the age of fourteen, Davin moved to New York after high school and attended the C.A.P. 21 Studio at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.  Davin appeared in a number of shows both in New York and across the country, but a workshop production of Pearl Heart broke the dam for Davin’s love of country music.  Moving to Nashville, Davin threw himself into the music the same way he’d earlier immersed himself in the stage.  Two years later, Davin has the fruit of his labors ready for the world.  His debut album, Breakline, eschews the cookie-cutter pop/country mould and goes for a classic-yet-fresh blend of country, southern rock and R&B.

Davin opens with some filthy-good slide guitar work; the introduction to the blend of soul, rock and honky-tonk that is "Sounds Of A Summer Night".  This might just be the ultimate back-country party song.  "Sounds Of A Summer Night" is so infectious it's being tracked by the CDC, but may be quite difficult to slot into a format for commercial radio.  This one has hit written all over it; release it on the cusp of summer and you may have a single that stays in heavy rotation until Labor Day.    "Bow Chicka-Wow-Wow" is incredibly catchy rock n roll that's full of innuendo and fun.  The song avoids cliché while playing off a stereotype.  You know what it's about from the title alone, but Davin manages to surprise you with how bloody well written it is nonetheless.

"Shine!" tells the story of two star-crossed souls who fall in love.  He's deeply devoted, but she has dreams that will take her far beyond his reach.  "Shine!" explores the mixture of love, sorrow and regret over the wistful desire to be in one place but the inevitable need to be in another.  "Cora Lee Five" is all about a woman who chews men up and spits them out without conscience or thought.  Davin continues to surprise with an ability to churn out catchy country/soul/rock hybrids with a frequency that's nearly frightening.    "Cross My Mind" is pure 1970's soul with a dose of Black Crowes thrown in for good measure.  Engaging and catchy in spite of the mid-tempo presentation, "Cross My Mind" has some serious chart potential in its exploration of the echoes of love that reverberate long after reason is gone.

"Somebody Like Me" is an 'opposites attract' story-song done in outlaw country style.  He's a rocker-boy and she's Harvard educated.  Together they explore a path full of surprising connections and unlikely agreements from two theoretical ends of the social world.  This one is hopeful with attitude, and will get stuck in your skull.  "Regret" is deep and soulful in a powerful 1970's soul arrangement.  Davin's voice is generally a pleasure, but on this song he raises it to the level of amazing, and his backup vocalist matches him note for note.  "Breakline" is about as catchy as a song can legally be; another potential hit for Davin.  The song tells the story of a road man and the inspiration that keeps him driving when all else fails.  Breakline closes with "Long Way", a quietly celebratory song on 'making it', whatever that may mean to you.  The song is very well written and uplifting, and is the sort of song that causes the house to be dappled with thousands of specks of light in concert.

Geoff Davin is the real deal, blending country, soul, rock and R&B into music so catchy and uncontrived you can't help but sing, dance or move along.  If Davin doesn't make it big it will be ultimate indictment of the music industry.  While Davin doesn't slot easily into one commercial radio format, the songs on Breakline are of such quality and a mix of styles that Davin could rule several charts at once.  Breakline is a must-have album, but for what it is and for what Davin just might become.

Rating: 5 Stars (Out of 5)

 Learn more about Geoff Davin at http://www.geoffdavin.com/ or www.myspace.com/davincountry.  Breakline is available from Amazon.com as a CD or Download.  The album is also available from iTunes.

Jackyl - When Moonshine And Dynamite Collide

Jackyl - When Moonshine And Dynamite Collide
2010, Mighty Loud Entertainment/Fontana Distribution

Jackyl might never recapture the buzz and glory of the early-to-mid 1990’s, but apparently nobody told them this. On their latest album, When Moonshine And Dynamite Collide, Jackyl digs into a 1980’s inspired sound and yet sounds as fresh as can be. With influences ranging from AC/DC to southern rock n roll, Jackyl goes back to their roots and manages to write some of their best material to date.

When Moonshine And Dynamite Collide opens with "Loads Of Fun", a catchy piece of 1980's hard rock with serious pop sensibility. It's a great foot forward for a band looking to reclaim its glory days. "I Can't Stop" is an old-fashioned glam rock party song; well-done but done-before affair. Jackyl maintains their catchy glamour on "She's Not A Drug" and "My Moonshine Kicks Your Cocaines @ss", the latter of which is an off-beat celebration of the south and its many charms. The band runs out of momentum in the middle, but claws back with "When Moonshine And Dynamite Collide", sounding more than a bit like a cross between Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Black Crowes.

"Just Like A Negro" pays tribute to African-American contributions to American music and culture, particularly rhythm & blues both in and of itself and as one of the prime roots of rock n roll. Jackyl gets into their trademark sound with "Deeper In Darkness" and "Freight Train", going over the top in classic style. The cover of Janis Joplin's "Mercedes Benz" is amusing, done in the original a Capella style. This leads into the closing track, where Jackyl hits the aptly named "Full Throttle" in a song about motorcycling.

Jackyl still has their feet firmly planted in the 1970's and 1980's, but refuses to turn into a dinosaur on When Moonshine And Dynamite Collide. Jackyl's latest is a solid effort likely to appeal to old fans and add a few new ones along the way.

Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Jackyl at http://www.jackyl.com/ or www.myspace.com/jackyl. When Moonshine And Dynamite Collide is available as either a CD or Download from Amazon. Digital copies are also available via iTunes.

Review: Arc Angels - Living In A Dream

Arc Angels - Living In A Dream
2009, Visions

Arc Angels are a Blues/Rock super group of sorts, consisting of Doyle Bramhall II (guitar/vox); Charlie Sexton (guitar/vox); Marc Campbell (Arc Master); Chris Layton (drums) and Mark Newmark (bass). Newmark is a new addition to the band in 2009, replacing original bassist Tommy Shannon. Layton and Shannon were members of Stevie Ray Vaughan's Double Trouble until his untimely death, and have also recorded with Buddy Guy, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, John Mayer and Storyville. Bramhall has played with Eric Clapton and Roger Waters, while Sexton has toured with Bob Dylan. The band short-circuited in 1999 due to Bramhall’s substance abuse, but has reunited for shows periodically since 2002. In 2009, Arc Angels decided to give it a try once again. The resulting CD, Living In A Dream, is a live recording that captures the intensity and talent of a band that never really got a chance to find what they were made of the first time around. Living In A Dream is a three-disc set. Disc one is the live CD; Disc two is 4-track EP featuring three new studio tracks and one live track from Antone's. The other disc is a DVD videos, live cuts and other material.

Arc Angels survive in the Diaspora between Southern Rock, Blues and Americana, and Living In A Dream captures that zeitgeist perfectly. Arc Angels open with Paradise Cafe, a delicious bit of Southern Rock that sounds like a catchy, danceable Bob Seger tune. Carry Me On is a decent power-ballad that's a bit on the bland side but otherwise well done. My favorite song on the disc, The Famous Jane, explores the life of a Hollywood starlet (possibly Jane Seymour?) in fairly real-life terms. It's an incredibly mature and thoughtful biography in song. Good Time is top-flight Blues-Rock with an amazingly soulful vocal. She powerful Blues influence carries over to She's Alright, although the extended guitar jam is a bit much.

My other favorite from the live disc is Sent By Angels, which features a strong, memorable chorus and outstanding guitar work. Crave And Wonder finds Arc Angels stepping back a bit in a mildly catchy Americana/Rock arrangement. It's a good listen and a strong change of pace. Shape I'm In features some of the best guitar work on the album in a high energy tune you won't be able to get out of your head. Living In A Dream sounds a bit like The Black Crowes, leading into the final track, a ten-minute instrumental called Too Many Ways To Fall. No one will dispute the talents of the respective members of the band, but this one lasts perhaps five minutes too long.

The bonus CD includes three new tracks and a live version of Spanish Moon recorded at Antone's). Spanish Moon is a bit drawn out but a great song. Crave And Wonder is presented here as a studio track, actually surpassing the live version on Disc One. What I'm Looking For is a dark and moody mid-tempo rocker that's decent but not their best. Too Many People is a pleasant surprise, featuring a Beatles-esque chorus that should be an instant crowd favorite and inspire sing-a-longs from the seats.

Arc Angels still have the energy and sound that made them a critical favorite back in 1992. It's a shame that it's taken so long, but the Arc Angels are back. Living In A Dream is a wonderfully balanced and enjoyable listen, and the new tracks give fans big hopes for what might be coming down the line. Living In A Dream is a definite keeper.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Arc Angels at http://www.arcangelsmusic.com/ or www.myspace.com/arcangelsmusic. You can purchase Living In A Dream online from Double Stereo.

Review: Brandon Swift - Brandon Swift

Brandon Swift - Brandon Swift
2008, Backspace Records

Brandon Swift hit the reset button after a freak accident led to a re-evaluation of priorities. Deciding to embrace the concept of Carpe Diem, Swift focuses on the positive experience of life. This energy and optimism shines through on Brandon Swift, his debut CD. Swift is touring the United States in a converted van with living quarters and a solar panel to play for anyone who will listen and live each day as the gift it is.

Brandon Swift appears to have thoroughly absorbed the mid-1990's North Carolina scene that included artists such as Hootie & The Blowfish and Edwin McCain and added in a bit of Black Crowes southern blues flavoring. Shine sums up these influences in one wonderfully eclectic and instantly commercial tune that should be licensed from here to Nashville and back. Lonely touches on a sort of unrequited love in sharply melodic terms and serves as an appropriate lead-into Surrounded. Surrounded is one of those pop tunes that are instantly recognizable the first time you hear it. Swift shows the same sort of Pop/Rock songwriting flair as Rob Thomas on a song that's as well-written lyrically as it is musically.

Stay With You is a classic Rock N Roll love song, perfect for mix tapes, marriage proposals or dedications to that special someone. Swift accomplishes all of this without sounding like a walking cliché, which is an accomplishment in itself. This is a great tune. Walkin' is another winner, taking on a Blues/Americana/Country mix that's irresistible. You'll want to dance and sing along. Satellite has a great melody that will stick with you and leads into another classic Rock love song, Wandered All Around. Swift has a knack for quirky love songs that don't fit perfectly in the mold without sounding of the mold. Swift closes out with Start With Yourself, a song pull of positive thinking and a killer melody. The message, "If you want to change the world then start with yourself" follows one of the great paradigms of Gandhi's teachings (Be the change you wish to see in the world). It's a great tune; once again mixing truth and a positive attitude without falling into cliche.

Brandon Swift has the voice of a Rock N Roll front man, sounding just a tad like a cross between Edwin McCain and a young Jon Bon Jovi. His songwriting is outstanding; intelligent, tuneful and with a singular voice as a composer that will speak to people. Brandon Swift is a spectacular introduction to the man as an artist and he artist as a man. A positive future icon in the world of Rock N Roll has emerged.

Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Brandon Swift at www.myspace.com/brandonswift. You can purchase a copy of Brandon Swift at Backspace Records.

Review: Willy Porter - How To Rob A Bank

Willy Porter - How To Rob A Bank
2009, Weasel Records

Willy Porter is one of those musicians who mostly avoided the pitfalls of pop success by refusing to play the marketing game and staying true the maverick nature of his muse. As a performer and songwriter, however, Porter is so talented that even refusing to go along with the mores of the moment he occasionally nails popular tastes to the wall and clips a chart or two. Porter's greatest adulation and respect have always come from fellow musicians; folks who really know and understand what it takes to craft the sort of elemental songs that make up Porter's catalog. Willy Porter's latest CD, How To Rob A Bank, is an intelligently stylistic album formed from the raw clay of Americana, Folk and Blues. You'll hear names like Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie brought up when talking about Willy Porter. The comparisons are apropos.

How To Rob A Bank opens with Learning The Language, a down-tempo Country/Folk tune about emotional maturity. The arrangement here is superb, matching a lyrical acumen that's distinctive ("Yeah I'm learnin', pain comes too quick and wisdom comes too slow"). Colored Lights has a very restrained feel to it, and the lush arrangement gives the whole song a very distant feel, like an experience through a looking glass. I Didn't Bring It Up is a song about starting over. The sense of movement in the song matches the sense of dislocation upon losing a long term relationship, yet the vocal harmonies solidify and ease the listener (and presumably the protagonist).

Hard Place extols the costs of war as scene across three generations. The chorus here is something of a dream-come-true, based in Blues and Folk. Wide Open Mind reminds me a bit of early work of The Black Crowes. Porter's creation is offered in a delicious Blues/Rock arrangement that will stick with you for days. Porter thoroughly outdoes himself on How To Rob A Bank. The song is topical, sounding like a blueprint for the Bernie Madoff scandal; Porter has crafted an intelligent and accessible diatribe against greed and human nature using wit, artistic tenor and a panache that would please fans of Arlo Guthrie. Similarly on Psychic Vampire, Porter captures the essence of someone we've all known at some point in our lives in song. How To Rob A Bank closes out with Barefoot Reel, a down-tempo tune with a melody you could buy a decent loft apartment in lower Manhattan with.

Willy Porter is a distinctive talent; an outsider so good and so true to who he is that the center gravitates toward him. How To Rob A Bank is Porter's best work to date. Expect How To Rob A Bank to dominate year end lists in critical circles, and garner Porter a lot of exposure along the way. This is a special album; a Wildy's World Certified Desert Island Disc. Make sure you check it out.

Rating: 5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Willy Porter at www.willyporter.com or www.myspace.com/willyporter. You can purchase a copy of How To Rob A Bank at Amazon.com, or download the album from iTunes.

Review: D'Haene - Vinyl

D'Haene - Vinyl
2009, D’Haene Band

D’Haene is a New York City based quintet that combines 1970’s classic rock with the Alternative Rock style that arose once Grunge died down in the 1990’s. Singer/guitarist/songwriter Bob D’Haene is supported by Riley McMahon on guitar, Rick Guetschow on bass, Slammin’ Sammy K on drums and percussion and Tim McCracken in keys and backing vox. Vinyl, D'Haene's second album, is due to be released in the early part of the summer of 2009.

Vinyl is a blue collar Rock N Roll album mixing elements of Southern Rock, Blues and Soul into a delectable sonic package. Bob D'Haene has crafts songs that inspire the listener to sing along, full of big majestic guitar sound and a muted grittiness that gets under your skin. Vinyl opens with Another Like You, accented by dark harmonies around a strong, clear melody line. This is a great opening salvo. Wouldn't You Like To Know is danceable Rock N Roll with blues in its genes; party music with some great guitar work. Took Me So Long brings out the more soulful side of D'Haene. It's not my personal favorite song on the disc but is perhaps the most commercial offering here.

D'Haene brings back the danceable Rock with Brand New Threads!, starting with a Latin rhythm that morphs into a Rock N Soul number with a vibrant chorus. This is a definite potential concert favorite. This Dog Won't Hunt goes back to the Southern Rock well with backing vocals inspired by Gospel music. Blues and Soul mix in for a sonically pleasing experience. Be sure also to check out the highly melodic I'll Be Your Man, and My Woman, which is far and away the best song on the disc. D'Haene walks a line between The Black Crowes and Led Zeppelin here, with a bit of Rolling Stones oomph thrown in.

D'Haene has a sound that would be equally fun in a small concert hall or a big stage. The blue collar bar band feel to the record is a temporary experience, because Bob D'Haene has a knack for crafting big rock songs with pop hooks that won't quite let the listener go. I don't know how successful D'Haene will be in getting radio play, as their sound isn't the flavor of the month, but if you just want a good stretch of Rock N Roll you can get up and move to or stay comfy and groove to, then D'Haene's Vinyl is what you're jonesing for.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about D’Haene at http://www.bobdhaene.com/, http://www.dhaeneband.com/ or www.myspace.com/dhaene. No official release date has been set for Vinyl yet, but early summer is the target. Keep checking D’Haene’s website(s) for more information.

Review: Swagger - Swagger

Swagger - Swagger
2008, Grab 'Em Records

Raleigh, North Carolina’s Swagger takes the stage with their self-titled debut. Purveyors of Rock N Roll with its roots firmly planted in classic and southern rock, Swagger keeps things fresh with a modern edge, a sense of irrepressible energy and a vocalist with the charisma to lead a big time rock band. Swagger firmly believes that Rock N Roll exists to help you forget your troubles, and there’s nothing but a good time to be had on their CD.

Swagger opens with Running Wild, a guitar-driven rocker reminiscent of Billy Squier or The Black Crowes full of great hooks. Vocalist Dallas Perry (what a Rock N Roll name…) has a wonderfully dynamic Rock N Roll voice that will grab your attention.. Mourning Train hits all the right notes for fans of Southern Rock, and the guitar work is superb. Always Be Shining renews the comparisons to The Black Crowes on a strong rock love song. Roadrunner is the highlight of the album; it's not a song that I would expect much from on commercial radio but a definite concert staple. Swagger closes out with Bella, which can only be described as southern hillbilly rock. It's a great closer for Swagger, and a close second to Roadrunner for best song on the album. Also be certain to check out Susanne, Youngblood and She Is Love.
Swagger has it. Swagger hearkens back to a time when Rock N Roll was fun to play and fun to listen to. Swagger is an extremely solid debut album worth spending some time and money on.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Swagger at www.myspace.com/swaggernc. Swagger is available as a download through iTunes. If you want a physical CD, you can either attend a Swagger show or contact the band through their MySpace page.

Review: Ryan Delmore - The Spirit, The Water And The Blood

Ryan Delmore - The Spirit, The Water and The Blood
2008, Varietal Records

Ryan Delmore has been a worship leader at the Five Cities Vineyard Church in Arroyo Grande for the past fifteen years. In that time he’s written scores of songs while leading worship in his church, and even managing to tour once in a while. Infusing country, folk, gospel, rock and soul with a Christian message, Delmore crafts a steely blend of religious Americana Delmore’s latest album; The Spirit, The Water and The Blood hints at influences as diverse as Bob Dylan, Sam Cooke, Tom Petty and The Staples Singers.

Ryan Delmore has either created one of the best gospel albums I've heard thus far in 2009 or one of the best Americana albums I've heard in 2009. It's hard to say which, because it's both. The Spirit, The Water and The Blood was born out of Delmore's love of God, but also pays direct homage to classic Americana sounds. Delmore's love of the sounds of artists such as Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and Neil Young is evident and shines through clearly here. Delmore's love of God is equally evident, and I suspect that the religious community will embrace this album enthusiastically. Delmore is supported on the album by guitarist Marc Ford (The Black Crowes, Ben Harper) and his wife Kirsten Ford on backing vocals.

Delmore opens with Mercy, a pure singer-songwriter take on forgiveness and redemption. This is a classic country arrangement that may have commercial potential in secular markets as well. Sing Like Mary Sang plays more into the gospel realm, and Delmore's slightly gruff vocals are perfectly at home here. Provide For Me goes down the country path once again in a fairly straight up country/rocker. The guitar work here is amazing. Country fans will dig this song even if they don't buy into the lyrical content. Teach Me All Your Ways is a quiet ballad that is as much a prayer as it is a love song. Harmony vocals from Kirsten Ford enlighten this song with a sense of quiet beauty.

Sacred has a Ryan Adams/Whiskeytown sound that is both tired and inspired. The energy level on this one doesn't really match the lyrical content, but the arrangement is gorgeous. Jesus' Name is a classic country/pop tune that could garner significant play on pop/country radio. Other highlights are Nowhere To Be Seen, True Religion and Love Of God.

Ryan Delmore is the sort of artist who could bring Gospel music more fully into the popular realm. A great songwriting talent and a strong, soulful voice help Delmore make The Spirit, The Water and The Blood an eye-opening experience. Even if you're not into message you'll respect the music here. Ryan Delmore is a special talent.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Ryan Delmore at http://www.ryandelmore.com/. You can purchase a copy of The Spirit, The Water And The Blood at Vineyard Music.

Review: The Wildcat - The Wildcat

The Wildcat – The Wildcat
2008, The Wildcat

The Wildcat are a Hollywood, California alt-rock trio that’s part garage and part Americana. Joshua Gollish (guitar/vox), Robin Everhart (bass) and Ric Rocc (drums) give it all they’ve got on their third release, and full length debut, The Wildcat. The Wildcat rocks it old school, from the foot-tapping, hook filled guitar rock songs to the vinyl-lp replica looking CD.

The Wildcat opens with Nothing's Fresh, a deliciously bright rock tune with big guitar sounds and a real pop bent. This is rock and pop at its most streamlined and enjoyable. Lead vocalist Joshua Gollish reminds me distinctly of John Thomas Griffin of Cowboy Mouth, and at times channels a bit of Eddie Vedder to boot. The Wildcat is definitely more in the Cowboy Mouth territory, while Can't Sleep and Where The Wind Blows have that Seattle influence that is distinctly Vedder. The Girl is an incredible messy blues tune with lots of slide guitar and dirty licks. Shimmy Interlude is a fun little musical sidebar, and All That Remains hearkens back to a 1960's musical ethic. Other highlights include Shimmy Rock and Some Friends (which has a guitar lick that sounds like it was partially borrowed from The Eagles' Life In The Fast Lane).

The Wildcat is a rough work that runs all over the map. It's a very enjoyable listen, but there's little cohesion or consistency throughout the album. This means that while it's a great listen it's not likely to find a lot of commercial oomph. The Wildcat (the band) comes across as your quintessential bar band. These are guys whom you'd be very happy to be entertained by on any given weekend night, and they're good enough to be more than just a bar band, but until a real musical direction or cohesion comes into play it's probably what they'll be (and there's no shame in that - The Black Crowes have been a bar band all of their careers - a very good and successful one).

Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about The Wildcat at www.myspace.com/thedeniercri. You can purchase a copy of The Wildcat at www.cdbaby.com/cd/wildcat.