by EARLY ATTIC
MARCH 10, 2010
MTV's golden years have long since passed, but some of the music can be found deep in the heart of some up and coming bands. Early Attic uses those styles and feel of the times as a foundation to build on. Electronics is a large part of the sound that reverberates from the speakers throughout the whole disc.
Matt McCheskey (vocals, keyboards, guitar) has a very melodic vocal presentation that is more floatation than roaring rapids. He has Americanized some of the European new wave that climbed the charts during the early 80's. McCheskey seems to yearn for the past sounds while gravitating towards expansion into new technology. "Modern Dreams" opens with a direct musically experience plucked from almost 30 years ago.
The band as a whole seems to enjoy following a path over the 80's and through to the present. "Walking In Mono" shows that the band is in a growth spurt that may lead them away from the roots of their foundation. There are moments when the walls can no longer contain Erik Eimiller (drums, keyboards) inside the confines of days of old. When he breaks loose, it will take the band to the next level.
Brian Gorman (bass, synth, beats) brings an unusually strong funky back beat to his bass lines. His groove has immense room for improvement as the band begins to gel and get some live exposure time under their belts. There is a lot of potential that can be drawn in the sand for Gorman and the door is wide open. He is able to fuse his style and have a lineal impact on the final product.
Parallel to McCheskey is Chris Wilson (guitar), whose sounds are sometimes less than prominent in the mix. They are blended so fine it is easy to mistake them for the keyboards. A little more showcasing of his talent is needed for the future of the band.
The name definitely represents where they are at this point in their career. Early Attic, with some time on the road under their belt, can break away from the one-dimensional style and expand on the sound they have developed. When young bands play together on a consistent basis, an evolution appears to take place. The promise of this band will certainly flourish under those exact circumstances.
RUSTY
3/10/10