|
There are those rare times when I hear a song for the first time,
and it sticks in my head and runs over and over and over again
until I have to call the radio station and try to determine what
the song was. Unfortunately, this always seems to happen at a
time that is wholly inconvenient to do so. Such was the case one
fine March afternoon. I heard an incredibly catchy bluegrass/folk
tune on the greatest radio station of all time (KCUV - kcuvradio.com)
and, after having it running through my mind for about 2 hours,
I finally made it to a phone to call and work through some fine
detective work with one of the station's DJs. A quick email to
Mr. DeVoe, and a few weeks or so later, I was happily listening
to the newest release by Pennsylvania's Frog Holler. The
track that had stuck in my head that day - and for about a week
afterwards - and continues to do so with an iron hold is "Sleepy
Eyes", a hootenanny inspiring, mandolin heavy newgrass tune
that is sure to captivate anyone who hears it.
This EP covers a lot of ground in addition to its more rootsy
songs. "Berks County Boy" is a rocking alt-country song
that gives the finest hour of Son Volt a bit of a run for
their money. Darren Schlappich proves himself an excellent
lyricist behind the thick guitars and solid rhythm section. "Ain't
a good liar, never been/ people always saying my pants are on
fire/ when I'm holding a good hand or if I'm gonna bust/ I can't
keep a secret, never could/ with my lips pressed tight I got a
weakness/ and when I open up my mouth, look out for a flood…"
More of the 90's college rock flavor comes to the fore on songs
like "Glitter", which could have easily been a track
on a Feelies record. The song is filled with excellent
guitar riffs and vocal melodies that simply scream beauty.
Whether or not you believe that there is substantial music
coming from such a place as Pennsylvania, suspend your preconceived
notions long enough to experience some Frog Holler. You will
not be sorry.
-Embo Blake
Track Listing:
1. Berks County Boy
2. Sleepy Eyes
3. Off Course Walking
4. Supposed To Be Livin'
5. Glitter
6. Ask Him Why
7. Million Things Good
Check out
more reviews
 Talk
Back
e-mail the chief
Like this article?
e-mail
it to a friend!
|
Frog
Holler 
