CD Review - Echotown Echotown
Echotown
Echotown
www.echotown.com
A new brotherhood of notorious musicians is sweeping Central PA away with an
indistinct mold of country-rock. Jeff Feltenberger leads a group of simplistic
rockers who know what they're doing. Feltenberger and drummer, Ron Simasek
are both from The Badlees, an acclaimed band to Pennsylvania music fans. With
guitarist Mike Morrison from Hired Guns, keyboardist Chris Novak from Mustang,
and bassist Robert Scott Richardson from Hybrid Ice, this experienced band called
Echotown has nothing standing in their way.
"Been so long" is a smooth song that belongs blasting from your car speakers,
with windows wound down, and sun in your eyes, during a worn-out ride home.
The killer-addictive line, "moonshine dandelion, makes you feel mighty fine"
will rattle around in your head for days.
The soft rocker, "Echotown" blends plainspoken lyrics with the lush sounds of a
banjo, harmonica, violin, and piano. It's distinct folksy sound is just one of many
solid styles the band divulges throughout the album.
Easing into the Badlees original "34 winters," you are immersed into a delicate,
emotional piece. Feltenberger's vocals accurately reveal the intensity of the lyrics.
Along with the forlorn melody, the pedal steel compliments the mood successfully.
Screeching into "A Dinner with Richard Petty," Mike Morrison as Mr. NASCAR
welcomes all race fans to join the band on a rowdy, fast-paced ride. Feltenberger's
rapid, honky-tonk vocals are easily comparable to that of Michael Stipe's (of R.E.M.)
swift singing in "It's the End of the World as we know it." This novelty single
masters the mixture of humor with the intricate sounds of piano, guitars,
and unforgettable lyrics.
Slowing things down is "Sacred and Sin," with a great force of guitar playing
by Morrison. Feltenberger tells the story of wanting change, yet staying in
"the same old place."
Following a traditional theme of country music, "Little things" starts off as a
depressing tale of love, and melts into a piece about all of the small
romances in life that "keep it going on." Feltenberger's voice takes a lower,
lonesome tone, which exposes his pure emotion.
Painfully honest and lovable, "I liked you better" unveils a song of jealousy,
through a plain melody with a catchy chorus that you will find yourself belting
out the lines to in no time.
Filled with personality, "If you have to ask" is a love ballad that holds a
home-sweet-home country-saloon feeling. The happier tempo is bound
to make you tap your feet…or perhaps even unleash a line dance.
"Ore Hill" slows the pace down with royal emotion and supreme lyrics.
Echotown added a new taste of tender folk to this original Badlees song.
The instrumental conclusion is the perfect cherry on top.
"Joshua" masters storytelling once again, through lyrics bursting of imagery.
The cohesion of petal steel and guitars harmonizes along with Feltenberger's
downhearted voice ingeniously.
"Steal," concludes the album with a lively, eye-opening tune with electrifying
keyboard playing by Novak and guitar solos galore from Morrison. Once the
instrumental feast fades off, you won't be able to resist a second round of Echotown.
Thank you to Jeff (and the other Echotowners) for the CD! ~Shannon~