|
The Governors are an up and coming four
piece from New York City that spend many nights polishing
their craft in the dark bars and clubs of NYC. Raised on a
healthy diet of rock and roll, The Governors recall a time
when American rock and roll meant something, before soft shouldered
pretty boys gave it a bad name. I do mean rock in the grand
sense of the term-sharp melodies, a couple of hooky progressions,
and a balanced presentation. Their presentation reflects back
on the Seventies rock and roll that a lot of our generation
grew up on. That is part of their charm, yet it does not overpower
the band's songs and musicianship.
The opening track lays it all out in front
of your eyes. Doesn't that rollicking keyboard track hit you
right in that sweet spot? Just when you think you're having
a flashback, the rest of the crew dives in and brings the
sound clearly up to the modern world. The undeniable groove
draws images of summer afternoons in the park, and this tune
beckons to be sung. Oscar Bautista ends it with a blues-shuffle
solo. This theme carries over to the next tune, "Lot To Learn."
There is a definite blues influenced progression going there-that's
what American rock and roll was built on. One of the strongest
elements of the band is keyboardist and vocalist Vito Barbiera
(don't'ya just love that name?) His chops range from Billy
Joel to Steely Dan to the guy down at your little blues bar
on a Thursday night. His abilities flow over piano, Wurlitzers
and assorted keyboards. His voice is a smooth, yet solid rock
and roll voice that skips the pretension and goes straight
to the heart of the songs. The whole band comes together in
a good ol' American rock and roll rave up with scurrying guitar
and bubbly keyboards. A laid-back approach carries "Forgiven"
along the road. There is a familiar yet progressive feeling
to Barbiera's songs. One thing that the band does well is
show restraint. Although everybody gets moments to lead the
pack, they aren't fighting for time. That's important. You
can't talk about a record like this without mentioning the
rhythm section. Whether taking that loping stride of "Forgiven"
or stroking "Plain" along, bassist Tim Kealey and drummer
Robert Cantwell forge a steal beam of support. "Plain" ties
all the elements together perfectly-moving from a textural
main refrain to a powerful closing section, influences a-plenty
scurry past your ears. The challenge is to pick them out of
the mix.
The Governors turn in a fine start. It's
clear to see how gig after gig has shaped their sound. The
record sounds like a live gig, which is partially due in part
to Ollie Straus' production. Don't expect to hear an overblown
seventies rock record here. What this EP offers you is a solid
collection of songs that give a hint of the good old days
of American rock. Solid songwriting is the key, and no matter
what "style" these songs were played in, the tunes would still
be strong. This is a promising debut from a hard-working band.
More power to them.
-tom topkoff
Track Listing:
1. Mr. Patience (Monday On The Other Side)
2. Lot To Learn
3. Forgiven
4. Plain
5. Lot To Learn (Radio Cut)
|
