COWBOY POEMS FREE

Definitely, Echolyn is a band which has a character of its own and I haven't found any bad album from them. This album is by no exception representing the band's style in making and performing their music. The album opens with "Texas Dust" (5:16) which comprises various styles throughout its musical segments. It blends the elements of rock, country and jazz at the same time with great vocal and nice keyboard solo. This track ends with "Poem #1" (1:33) which serves as bridge to the next track "Human Lottery" (5:32). This third track combines R&B and southern rock music with some flavor of Brazillian / Hawaian music. The vocal line reminds me to Gentle Giant especially during choir or vocal harmonies. The guitar solo in the middle of the track is also stunning even though it's not that long for typical rock music.

"Gray Flannel Suits" (4:47) starts with combination of keyboard and guitar fills followed with vocal line in jazz rock style. "High As Pride" (6:45) is a nice ballad with heavy influence from Gentle Giant especially on singing style. The music moves slowly with acoustic guitar and keyboard as main rhythm section. Vocal harmonies are really good. The music brings to upbeat and fast tempo with great guitar solo at track 7 "American Vacation Tune" (5:18). What I like most about this track in addition to the guitar is the bass lines - so powerful. Vocal is also excellent.

"1729 Broadway" (6:01) is a mellow track which flows naturally with great rhythm section mainly contributed by Buzby's keyboard work. It's a nice song, accessible to many ears, I believe. You might consider this as ballad as well. In almost similar vein "67 Degrees" (5:21) is another good track as well. The concluding track "Too Late For Everything" (4:33) is another mellow song with nice vocal and clavinet rhythm section augmented with acoustic guitar. This kind of music is similar with the music of Spock's Beard.

Overall, it's a good album with some excellent tracks like "Texas Dust". It's suitable for those of you who like music with some influence of jazz rock even though not that heavy, and of course Gentle Giant. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW