Tuesday 27 January 2009

Criminally Overlooked But Not Buried Underground


With the phenomenal amount of music released these days from every corner of the industry, it isn't surprising for a band or two to get lost in the shuffle - in fact in this business it's a downright certainty.

The Ravines is one such example of a criminally overlooked record from recent years. As a duty, we felt we should seek it out, dust it down, give it an airing and make you feel as ashamed (as we were) when the proverbial needle hit the groove.

The Ravines first CD Manifesto of a Broken Heart was actually released back in 2005 on the C-Side Records label and harks back to a simpler time musically (ie: somewhat earlier than 2005!). Singer/Songwriter Chris Corney and drummer James Crossley originally met back in 2000 when they played in Peterborough band the Contrast.

Their sound encapsulates Americana crossed with an inherent Britishness. My favorite track is title track Manifesto of a Broken Heart which features a rootsy Keith Richards' guitar and the stuck-to-roof-of-your-mouth catchy riff.

The harmonizing, the jangly guitar, and rumbling bass on the third track Supersize is infectious. Fifth song Best Friends also grabbed me; the harmonies in particular recall the Contrast's greatest song Caught in a Trap, to which of some of these guys contributed, of course

Overall The Ravines material reflects an experienced world weariness of angst and hope dashed with buzzword modernity in the use of language like 'downsize' and 'supersize'. Much of this feeling culminates in the closer The Getaway. A great and sure way to end the album.

If you looking for references you may already know, try these for size: Gin Blossoms, Goo Goo Dolls and Scottish bands the Silencers and Diesel Park West. All decent and seminal in their own way.

It is hard not to fall in love with this album, and it will only improve on repeated listens. Roll down those windows when you are listening to this once spring comes and make sure you drown out those hip-hop monkeys at the traffic light.

For full length tracks check out their page here. If you love the bands music as much as us you can purchase their CD at CDBaby .

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Enthusiastic music, apprehension you, lessen point, another to favorites.

t said...

I am a huge music fan...rarely turn on the TV. Glad to find you!

Anonymous said...

Hi!! We're The Kavanaghs from Argentina.
Congratulations for your amazing blog!! Thanks for posting all that wonderul music!!!

We're now about to release our first album -a blend of Beatles, Raspberries and Badfinger influenced songs- and we'd like you to listen to our whole -and yet not released- album. We'd love to have your thoughts about it and of course it would be an honor for us if you decide to post it on your blog.
You can download our album here: www.thekavanaghs.com.ar/albumpreview.htm
and we're also sending you info about us and the album cover.

INFO:

The Kavanaghs first album -to be released early 2009- is full of retro power pop songs influenced by classic bands like The Beatles, Badfinger and Raspberries, The Beach Boys, The Zombies and
The Kinks among other great bands from the sixties to nowdays. (like The Records, Flamin' Groovies "Shake Some Action", Fountains of Wayne)

If you're into power pop, psych pop, beatlesque songs you will sure enjoy this album!!

Eric Carmen and Jim Bonfanti from the Raspberries -who wrote the liner notes for the upcoming album- said about the Kavanaghs:
"The Beatles, Badfinger and Raspberries fans will love this band!! This guys really wear their influences well. Catchy melodies and great harmonies are still alive. It's a pleasure to hear their songs!!"

Want to know some more about The Kavanaghs??

The Kavanaghs Website ... www.thekavanaghs.com.ar
The Kavanaghs Myspace Site ... http://www.myspace.com/thekavanaghs

Songs

1 The wrong side of the way -power pop, Beatles / Badfinger styled-
2 Friday on my mind -Beatlesque song-
3 English town, English people -Ray Davis meets Sgt.Pepper´s and Astor Piazzola-
4 Surreal -a McCartney-esque acoustic latin ballad-
5 The simple things -power pop, Raspberries styled-
6 Hyde Park -Kind of a happy George Harrison tune, lots of slide guitars-
7 You know -acoustic ballad-
8 All the time -power pop, Badfinger styled-
9 It seems that I´m not getting things quite right -kind of a Brian Wilson, Pet Sounds song-
10 Cat in town -a straight forward rock and roll song-
11 Goodbye Chris -kind of a Brian Wilson, Beach Boys ballad-

The Kavanaghs is a brand new band from Rosario city, Argentina.
Formed in early 2006, they’re now preparing the release of their first
album.
Band members are:
Tiago Galindez (lead vocals, bass guitar, pianos),
Alejandro Pin (lead vocals, rythm guitars)
Diego Vázquez (lead guitars, backing vocals),
Julio Leidi (drums, percussion and backing vocals).

"All the time", the first single of the band, was released on 2007 by Matchbox Recordings UK on the Big Indie Comeback vol.2 compilation album. (available at cdbaby).

In mid 2008, the band signed a publishing deal with Universal Music.

So, here, for you, are The Kavanaghs. Hope you enjoy it!
---------------------------------------------

Thanks so much again, and we hope to hear from you!!
Good vibrations!
THE KAVANAGHS
www.thekavanaghs.com.ar
www.myspace.com/thekavanaghs

Dragana Kaurin said...

Hi nice reading yourr blog