Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Hicks with Sticks Review
Jose Segue, who is a huge supporter of Bay Area twang bands (and quite a dancer, to boot), reviewed
Songs from the Pine Room for his
Hicks with Sticks site and newsletter:
"Axton Kincaid manages to impress everybody with their live shows and their debut CD, Songs from the Pine Room, has all the potential to bring them the fan base they deserve.
Eleven of the CD's 12 songs are originals, but their cover of the Stone Roses "I Want to Be Adored" is a surprise standout. There are only a dozen or so words in the song, but tight, understated music and near-Gregorian vocals provide enough light and longing to carry it for four minutes. It reflects a sense evocativeness that pervades this CD; even on up-tempo numbers like "Who's Gonna Pour My Whiskey When You're Gone?" about losing a favorite bartender, and "Red Light," a road song about a couple on a streak that they know will have to end.
Song after song evokes emotions that bind the listener as in "Pine Room" which is about a 16-year-old girl coming of age. One of its verses starts with "You know I never liked my mother," a line that would surely lead a lesser lyricist than Kate Howser into the goop, but it all works because the song is about moving on rather than getting stuck. The song writing, arrangement and vocals work throughout these songs, and credit is due to the entire band for playing within itself. Live or on CD, this band plays as a team, each member holding his or her own without stepping on the others, making it easy for the listener to approach their music, relax with it, bop with it, reflect upon it or be touched by it.
Look for their upcoming shows in July. If you're not already tuned in, you won't want too miss out much longer. Resistance, as they say, is futile."
posted by axton kincaid #
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