This set seems to have boundaries that include progressive rock, jam band sound, psychedelia, alternative rock and much more. It’s all pretty good, though. Additionally, it never seems to stretch outside of the realm that fits together. This is an effective disc start to finish.
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2015 Volume 1 at lulu.com/strangesound.
Track by Track Review
And of Course Howie
A cool jam band groove is the idea here. It’s alternative rock in nature, too. This is pretty catchy.
Beyond the Galaxies (feat. Joe Reineke) A mellower tune at first, I like the piano on the early sections of this. There is kind of a dreamy vibe here. It works out to more energized music that leans towards space rock.
In Your Shade This mellower cut is more of a soft rock kind of number. It has a lot of Americana in the mix.
Light Blue Light (feat. David King) Mellow, dreamy, trippy music is the idea here. This actually leans toward some modern moody prog, but with some psychedelia in the mix.
I'm So Sorry Starting with a piano based mellow movement, this powers out into harder rocking territory. It definitely lands in the vicinity of some new progressive rock. This is a really strong number. In fact, I’d consider it the best of the bunch.
Set Me Free More of a stripped back, rhythmic sound drives this. It’s very much an alternative rock meets electronic pop kind of thing.
Your Favorite Song Kind of generic, this is just a bouncy little modern pop song. It’s okay, but definitely not my favorite.
Maybe Next Sunday (feat. Jacques Willis) This is more of a dreamy number. It has a great vibe to it. It’s one of the best pieces here, really.
A Single Frame Passing Through the Light Based on an acoustic melody, this is pretty cool stuff, if a bit low-key. It’s basically a folk song.
I'll See You Soon Piano and voice are the basis for this sad ballad. It’s a pretty song, but it seems a little too long.