Post by jptheprofessor on Jan 16, 2006 2:26:14 GMT -5
RED ROOM – RED ROOM (no label) Harrisburg’s Red Room formed in 2001 when lead guitarist A.J. Cassatt joined forces with lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, former Millersville University vocal major and future wife, Jackie. Drummer Zac Lanier and bassist Ricky Grove joined soon after. On Red Room’s self-titled debut album, the spotlight shines on Jackie’s remarkable voice, which blends range, sultriness, power, grit and edge. The group’s style is a hodgepodge of classic-rooted, melody-geared guitar rock, funk-tinged groove and acoustic-leaning ballads; providing the vehicle for Jackie to sing lyrical exposes about love’s ups and downs, unfulfilled dreams and rethinking past decisions. Red Room runs the gamut from funky-flavored numbers like the opener “It’s Me” and “Cry” to edgier rockers like “What I Need,” “On The Edge,” “Spinning,” “To Be Strong” and “The Little Things;” to slower, more contemplative numbers like “No Place Like Home,” “Happy Hour,” and “Dear Mr. Sarcasm.” Although each song displays a distinct style and flavor; Red Room’s strong sense of melody maintains a consistency through it all, and helps tie this set together into a cohesive whole. Produced by Marshall Deasy and A.J. Cassatt, Red Room is stripped down, uncluttered and basic; allowing the guitars, bass and drums to support and complement Jackie Cassatt’s voice, which remains constantly front and center in the mix. The end result is a crisp, solid debut album; Red Room offers catchy, fundamentally strong guitar-driven rock, and introduces a shining talent in Jackie Cassatt who can lift the group’s melodies to impressive heights. (Can be obtained through the group’s website, www.redroom1.com.)