Expressive Retro-Americana EP with a Cool, Enjoyable 70’s Groove
I’ve received a few EP’s in the last few months and needed to turn my attention to them because some are a wonderful introduction to fine musicians. I may have to, at some point, incorporate EP’s into one comprehensive review since there are so few songs included.
Nonetheless, one that I felt had merit is a little 70’s retro style outfit was quite excellent: The Get Ahead. Their showcase reminded me of a great band I used to listen to called Seatrain. That old band had ingenious songs and a violin player in Richard Greene (who later became a very respected studio musician). This band also possesses a dynamic female violin player who doubles on sax in Angie Johnson. Nice touch to fill out the overall sound.
The opening track is about a woman named “Stella” – and has a cool 70’s lead guitar pluck with the raspy lead vocals of Nathan Earle who has some muscle in his voice. Years ago, there was an album by someone named Mutzie, who had an album called “The Light of Your Shadow,” and since its release, its become somewhat of a collector’s item and curiosity. This band is close in spirit to what that album represented in 1970 and Mutzie – despite his lack of chart success was an interesting powerhouse performer. From what I understand he still performs and records today.
The title track of this collection “Mind Is a Mountain,” – still in that retro 70’s groove, it’s one of the best songs on this four-song EP. The sloop and slice of the lead guitar make the song appealing and lead vocalist Earle really pours on a faultless rock and soul blend. This is a poignant song based on a tragic event in Earle’s life which is outlined on their website. Expressive songwriting often comes from real life events.
An imaginative track follows with a nice bluesy root in “To the Wild.” This percolates nicely and the band shows its diversity as female lead vocalist Juliet Howard unleashes a cool drip of blues with a syrupy voice that has authority. Thoroughly enjoyable.
However, when Earle returns it’s with a standard basic tune “Love Crime.” That’s fine. Nothing special but the energy is still evident in their consistent showcase. My only criticism or rather, suggestion, is for the band to really focus on the songs a little more and stay away from clichés. “Love Crime?” How many times has that been used in songwriting? The musicians in this band have the magic of playing a hot stew of different styles. But they should try and avoid following the map or route that many groups follow. This is not necessarily a fault, it’s just musicians being musicians. They could add a little more of a challenge in the songwriting, take a deeper risk, dig beyond the clay and hit some oil. Like the title track. That one was more on the money.
I believe in them because they are definitely beyond a good bar band with a mediocre repertoire. They do have grit. Some songs have to be more aggressive. This group is beyond that tenure and what I am saying is this: their best days and material is still ahead. Their songs are indeed purposeful. But, they need to sharpen their pencils and use more clever words that aren’t too usual. When you put words to music and sing them they have a tendency to get “lost” in the melody and come off as typical. On first listen I didn’t grasp some songs. I had to listen more than once.
When an artist ventures into recording something different in their showcase magic will emerge. They stir up interest — they have that appeal. They need more magic. I want to hear something that draws me in. Why are YOU different from everyone else? Why should I listen further?
The Get Ahead have all the right ingredients. Good diversified vocals and musicians. The songs appeal, no doubt. If Angie plays sax – feature that in some songs a little more dominantly and then feature the violin. These are great instruments to add brighter colors to the band. Each individual player needs their signature to stand out more dominant. Go through the lyrics and if any of them sound remotely like words used by other songwriters get another word. Understand that the words and music are as important to practice as your individual instruments. I have heard way too many accomplished musicians perform flawlessly on songs they wrote that sound like they spent ten minutes composing. If they did spend time on it, then they never arranged it with any punch. These songs on this new EP will develop in live performance. I am confident of that.
This EP has so much potential. Do I like the work? Absolutely. The voices and musical interaction are good and most importantly it’s consistent.
Suggestion: One of the most impressive bands I have ever heard worked out their instrumental breaks into a signature sound was the original Steppenwolf hits.
Yes, those songs are not Americana but they do have challenging moments in the presentation. That’s my point. How they worked the arrangement and inserted infectious musical breaks: “Born to Be Wild,” “Magic Carpet Ride,” “Rock Me,” and “Monster.” You know it’s the same band but each song had its own signature.
The Get Ahead has the benefit of two great vocalists – male and female. You have to fit one song in there as a duet that is as strong as the excellently written and recorded Golden-Carrillo song “Fire in New Town.” I know there’s a song in their future that will be as powerful as that. Annie Golden is Broadway famous for her cabaret singing and on Newtown her rock-Americana vocals — well, Juliette is up to that task.
I wouldn’t feel honest if I didn’t admit I enjoyed this brief new sample of The Get Ahead and at the same time offer some constructive criticism. This group of musicians are tight, have wonderful ideas and sound quite good together. I don’t want to see them get lost in the glut of releases that come out every week and they are in the hundreds. Believe me.
Maybe they cover too much ground? Nah, they have the talent. This Portland, OR group needs a little more focus on their own showcase and not just playing well.
The Beatles’ “A Day in the Life,” as classic as that song is has in its appeal the bridging of John Lennon’s original vocal at the beginning and then the sudden Paul McCartney vocal: “woke up, got out of bed, dragged a comb across my head…”. The Get Ahead has that talent in Earle’s raspy vocal and Juliette’s angelic bluesy vocal. What a combination they possess. I didn’t hear anything like that just yet in this brief collection. But I am patient.
Now, let me reiterate: Because I am not at all trying to be too harsh.The Get Ahead songs are worth a listen — not just this new EP but their entire LP — including “Volcano.” They are actually good. They can be better. They deserve the attention. They have the musical artillery, the themes and the ability in spades. Just be more challenging and memorable.
I like these performers but they are still developing. I’d like to see where they will be a year from now and will close this evaluation with optimism. I think they can do it and believe when the time comes a new LP will be filled with stand-alone Get Ahead jewels. (To be honest, I did not listen to their full LP “Volcano” in its entirety – but I do intend to catch up – because they are worth it). I listened only to a private stream of this new brief collection so I cannot comment on the CD packaging. The songs were produced excellently by Grammy Award Winner Son Little (The Roots, Mavis Staples).
Band Website: http://www.thegetahead.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegetaheadmusic/
Music Samples from Website: http://www.thegetahead.com/
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John Apice / No Depression / November 2017