Post by jptheprofessor on Nov 6, 2005 22:48:19 GMT -5
SPOONCHATTER – HOMESPUN (no label) Spoonchatter’s story began at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1999, when singer/keyboardist Dustin Rainey, percussionist Jason Olear and saxophonist Jen Shuty first started playing together. The group eventually added bassist Adam Wolf to reach its present form. On their second release, Homespun, Spoonchatter introduces an interesting, guitar-less hybrid sound merging elements of rock, jazz and pop. Piano and saxophone overtones gently drive freewheeling and catchy melodies with varying rhythms, jazz-informed interludes and dynamic twists and turns reminiscent of peak Billy Joel, Elton John or Ben Folds Five. Homespun’s eleven songs (plus bonus track) offer lyrical odes to coping with life’s everyday ups and downs, and weathering the curve balls life throws along the way. The opener “Simon Says” offers eventual sunshine whenever life’s storms are encountered; while “Smile” proposes taking on the world with a positive attitude each day. “Someday,” “Rudy” and “Train” all lament loneliness and longing, while “Dance Our Cares Away” looks to resolve that loneliness. Two songs, “Last Laugh” and the strong, dark and dramatic album closer “11:00 PM,” concern the masks people wear in everyday life to conceal inner insecurity and turmoil. Spoonchatter’s blend of piano and saxophone textures keeps their sound fresh and uplifting, topped by Dustin Rainey’s smooth, upbeat vocals. Recorded in three different locations in and near Ebensburg, produced by the band and mixed and mastered by Dustin, Homespun overall sounds balanced, bright and pleasant, with melodies and sparkling performances winning the day. Spoonchatter offers a different style of ear candy on Homespun, spinning a fresh-sounding mixture of pop, rock and jazz flavors that makes for a bright, fun listen. (The album can be purchased at the group’s shows or by visiting their website, www.spoonchatter.com.)