echolyn - i heard you listening (July 31 Release)

The band has pulled out all the stops for this release and not only does it have incredible melodies and vocal harmonies it REALLY rocks! I love echolyn's more symphonic releases like "mei" and the last album (aka The Window Album) but I fell in love with echolyn's harder, heavier rock sound.

Usually bands tend to wind down with age but there's no slowing these guys down - Brett, Ray, Chris & Paul (and some backing vocals by Brett's wife Jacque) have ALL upped their game for this release. 

Brett takes lead vocals more on this time around and I've often said echolyn is like The Beatles in that they have two very talented singers. Ray is more like Lennon and Brett like McCartney style-wise and the trade off keeps the music wonderfully varied in sound.

Chris Buzby just really shines on this album: beautiful, powerful arrangements and just stellar playing...all I can say is wow...I'm still absorbing all he's done this time around.

Brett's Guitars just weave around everyone just perfectly and then just knock you out of your seat...leaving you just having to hit the replay button.

Ray - this guy is a couple of years older than me and sings better than he did when he was younger. Damn he has some pipes for an old man lol. Also for those who may not know - he's one hell of a bass player and takes over for a track here.

Tom's bass is just plain thundering this time around and IMO gives echolyn the overall punch that I so love and compliments Paul's masterful drumming perfectly.

Which brings me to Mr. Ramsey: This guy should be recognized as one of the best modern drummers in the business - his drumming is never flashy but is every way amazing! 

I can't even pick out stand out tracks this time around....they're all so good. I'll leave you with this: "i heard you listening" is old echolyn meets new echolyn and the result is the very best of both worlds. Just buy the album and bathe in the brilliance :)