Artist History
Eric Colville’s latest release, “X-Ray Glasses,” stands out for all that happened before it was even released. In 2007, a demo of “Doer’s Lament” received first prize in the USA Songwriting Contest, and “1000 Miles” and “12-Step Program” were also finalists in that competition. Both “DMMLY” (pronounced d’mim-uh-lee) and “Doer’s Lament” were selected for the 2008 season of Roadtrip Nation on PBS. And “Remember to Forget” was featured on ABC’s All My Children, and was named Broadjam Song of the Month in May 2007.
Colville’s “X-ray Glasses” is full of rich contrasts. His vocals are Pete Yorn-like, but at times he sounds like a mellow Eddie Vedder. His style mostly hugs the curb of your classic, straight ahead rock in this album, though “Remember to Forget” is a lovely ballad about never getting over someone despite handling it fine, and “12-Step Program” is a rockabilly-inspired dance tune that makes dysfunctional attraction sound like fun. “Doer’s Lament” has a driving beat that draws on Gary Glitter (“Rock-n-Roll – Part 2”), and big vocal harmony choruses that invoke Queen. “Picture Us Together” is a power ballad you could imagine being performed by Bon Jovi. The rocking “1000 Miles” is a celebration of the possibility of transcending oneself by gaining a new perspective. “DMMLY,” a song about the ambivalence of post-breakup sexual encounters, is more melancholy, but it still rocks. Colville’s capacity for layered meaning is especially evident in the album’s grooving title track. It’s ostensibly about the pervy merchandise offered in the comic books of yesteryear, but the idea works on a metaphorical plane, too. Colville’s intriguing duality is also found in the remaining track,” Man I Am,” a song about yearning to yield to temptation that employs live-loop drumming and weird synth pads.
All said, the CD has eight great songs - with no filler - which makes for a really pleasurable listening experience.
At the present time, Eric Colville is rehearsing the band in preparation for a regional tour in the summer and fall, and working on arrangements and pre-production for his next album.
Eric Colville Blog
"X-Ray Glasses" Reviewed by RadioIndy.com!
| POSTED BY: momof5pacs | POSTED ON: 17 Jul 2008 09:45 AM | ||
 With "X-Ray Glasses," Eric Colville Band nicely fuses the spirit of the contemporary singer/songwriter with many complimentary genres - traditional adult rock, rockabilly, and Americana. Vocally, the weathered huskiness in Colville's voice remind the listener of Jakob Dylan of Wallflowers fame, although at times you can hear influences of Jack Johnson, John Mayer, and even Tom Petty. Colville stands out as a lyrical force, with no limits to their subject matter. From the playful material of the title track to the solace-driven "Man I Am" and "Remember To Forget," a lasting impression is left. Whether you're listening to the mellow, acoustic "DMMLY" or the rocking guitar solo in the rockabilly-influenced "12 Step Program," the album is well-recorded with no noticeable missteps. "Man I Am" delivers lyrically and musically as the band lays down a beat that makes you want to move while Colville discusses his ambivalence with the angel and demon on his shoulder - "I'm stuck in the middle, mister, can't you see, between the man I am and the one that I'm supposed to be." The closing track, "Doer's Lament," offers a fast-paced, Americana feel with a choir singing the memorable chorus - "Everybody's gonna do everything, but nobody ever does anything." Overall, "X-Ray Eyes" is a winner and anyone who enjoys adult rock and contemporary singer/songwriters should give it a listen. -Chris and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer TeamCheck out Eric Colville Band's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites |
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