The Only Sons "Steel Hearts" Review

**EDIT: The band has changed their name to The Only Sons (from Ribbonpigeon), in concurrence with a physical release of this record. Hopefully that clears up any possible confusion.**

It's the way bands should always make albums: record one sounds similar to record two, yet record two isn't quite the same as the first, growth is visible but the band still sounds the same. "Steel Hearts" achieves this with ease.

Genre-wise, it's still safe to call the band an Alt-country act but there's more obvious rock influences, from the guitar on some of the songs and a Springsteen-esqe quality more recognizable in singer Kent Goolsby's vocals. The 12 tracks flow well through the entire record, with even catchier lyrics this time around and an overall more upbeat tone. Don't get me wrong, Mr. Goolsby still gets his harmonica and slower song in on the record, songs like "Stranger Here Myself" & "Taking Your Time with My Love", but overall the release is one for rocking out by yourself or friends...it could very easily be my personal "hanging out on porches" soundtrack for the upcoming spring and summer nites here in Murfreesboro.

The band's touring all over [including a ton of shows locally], with a lot more road to be covered this summer, I'm sure. You can check out their myspace or go straight to the source to get download your copy and then pass it around to your friends. Try listening to the closing track, "We Will Get By", and not have to take another listen...

The Middlemen- Post Script

The Middlemen- Post Script








I think this blog is getting a case of the alt countries- case in point (again): The Middlemen's debut record "Post Script". But don't take that as a complaint, these guys are another example of awesome talent to come out of the southeast, combining a rootsy twinge into straight on rock and roll. Add to that some of the best songwriting I've heard in a while and you've got the Middlemen.

The record seems to have more tracks than most of the local groups in the Nashville/Murfreesboro area, but by no means does it mean that the record plays long. The 13 songs move along at a quick pace, starting out with a kick in the track "Afraid", dipping the tempo down a few songs later, but never slowing it completely. By the time the somewhat epic-final track "The Other Way" is reached, there's a good chance that you'll want to hear the record again. A few f these tracks that stand out and bear extra listens are "Most Beautiful Thing" (if you're a girl and like sweet songs, this one is a particularly sweet one), "Silver Screens" for a good rock out and "Stars" for a three minutes of singing along.

Having seen the guys play live a few times lately, it goes without saying that one needs to see them live if at all possible and you can appreciate the record even more. Singer Bobby Gray goes for it in live performances and you can't help but be pulled in (trust me, I was almost impaled with the neck of his guitar a few weeks ago at a house show). The band's on tour on a bit, so check out their myspace for dates, songs and live videos.

Daily, eh?

I know, it's a joke to say this could go daily, as of current things [namely midterms].

Next week is spring break and I've got a list of stuff to get up here so keep an eye out. It's gonna be a good spring, folks...you just wait..

Until then, come out Friday to Wallstreet here in Murfreesboro for an awesome nite of music from the Bohannons, the Middlemen, We Were the States & new local Boro faves, Norene....