Strong start and finish, but a bit samey in the middle. The keys, drums and bass were all stellar all throughout the session, giving us that tight funky goodness we all just need. But there was some clear lack of direction in some songs, feeling more like subpar improvisation than a thought out and recorded tune. More so, I personally didn't like some of the choices regarding background vocals. But that's more of a personal preference.
Although I could feel some charm in the performance, there were some severe mixing problems that made the whole thing unenjoyable. The vocals were far too low in the mix when compared to the trumpet or the guitar. Still, there were some nice ideas being put forth, so I might check out an actual LP to see what they are really capable of.
Despite the lengthy technical problems in the beginning, this actually ended up being a really nice set. There is some clear talent for songwriting in this band.
The only thing to critique really is the vocalist's singing choices. He does some of those weird Axl Rose high-pitched vocals, and does not maintain the pitch that well. But, honestly, that added to the charm of it. As for the instrumentals, all really solid work, nothing to say there.
Weirdly enjoyable!The horn section was incredible. To be honest, the whole band was tight.
There isn't much I can't say about this session other than what I first stated, it's weirdly enjoyable. By the time I am writing this review, I still haven't been fully capable of digesting what I heard and saw. Might update this later, but, for now, even if it's not something out of this world, I can recognise the quality and work put into it.
Weirdly enough, the band is still (mostly) together, ... read more
This band commits the worst crime a band can commit whilst performing: be boring.
Although technically I can't fault them, and they honestly seem like great people, the music they produce is just nothing that can grab me. Maybe it's because I've been exposed to so much "classic" rock that, unless something is really innovative, it won't stick. Maybe. But I feel there's an underlying problem with the band, not with me. Unfortunately, their other work isn’t really easy to find, ... read more
Even if it's not true, I love the dad energy this album gives me. Just 4 dads, chilling, vibing and doing whatever they feel like doing... maybe even swapping instruments mid set. I do concede it's perhaps not something out of this world, but its earnest simplicity sells the music. Like many of these early Audiotree bands, they have broken up, but they seem to have left a discography I couldn't be more excited to explore.
Erik might be a great musician, but, as an artist, I can't say he is a great one. I can definitely see the talent in the guitar playing: the notes are so clean and connected. However, it isn't the guitar skill that makes a great artist or a even a great concert. It can play a big part in it, but here, it's just not enough. The whole set feels somewhat monotonous, not attention grabbing at all. I don't like using this word, but it is very mid.
The creativity in this group is through the roof!!
At first it looks just like a random assortment of instruments. You have an electric guitar, drums, that’s just normal. Then you add the string section, then comes the accordion and in the middle of this, someone is playing a bike wheel??? What the hell is going on?? But when everything comes together, it sounds exactly as it should. So incredible even the host keeps begging for more!
But that’s not all, they also know perfectly ... read more
I've heard of artists frontloading albums, but never heard of artists frontloading songs.
They start with some of the most ear-catching incredible intros only to devolve into mediocrity. The audiotree production is incredible, but even them can't save the genuinely awful vocals. It's a shame because sonically you can tell they have their own identity and they even seem like cool guys. But once the music stops being instrumental, it's time to turn it off.
I don't know, might just me being ... read more
It might be a bit basic, but it was awesome. The whole band really worked well together. They knew how to give the music what it needed and also knew how to interact with one another. Moreover, the sound production was immaculate, as to be expected with any audiotree live session.
Honestly, I wish I could say more, but at the end of the day, it's a solid performance from a band which has clear experience playing live. A bit underrated, so here's a recommendation for you hidden gem searchers.
Oh my, what a difference from the last session. The energy is at an all-time low. Quite shocking considering what Audiotree Live has got me used to.
After rewatching it, I can clearly see the talent, but, honestly, that is not something you'll get out of it on the first listen. On the first listen, you'll just feel sleepy. May dare I say bored. Because, even if what they bring to the table has quality, it is quite monotonous. And, honestly, (might just be because I'm not their target ... read more
The first audiotree live session. Or at least the first audiotree live session available on their website. And for a first, I've got to say, it is quite a solid performance. Right off the bat I can tell they have a very unique sound. Even if lirically and vocally they might not be even close to the best in the business, the gorgeous instrumentation really sold me. Especially that sax. OMFG that sax is beautiful! The whole Ben's kitchen Blues is a perfect example of it.
Overall, although I've ... read more