Artist Review: Colleens, Wild Dreams
Artist: Colleens
Album: Wild Dreams
Genre: Americana / Classic Pop
RIYL: Wilco, Brendan Benson, Ryan Adams
You know that phrase “there must be something in the water”? In this case, when I pressed play on Wild Dreams, the Colleens’ debut album, I thought, “there must be something in the gene pool.” Colleens are led by brother duo Josh and Jon Harter, two recording engineers/producers by day who work with their father at KHM Studios in San Antonio, Texas. Whether it’s the genes or the immersion in music production over the years, it really doesn’t matter; the combination of drummer Jon and songwriter/guitarist/vocalist Josh is one that’s working naturally in tandem.
“About You” opens the record with an easy-on-the-ears melody that smoothly weaves in nice underlying guitar texture, keys that blend into a layered background and Josh Harter’s incredibly engaging vocals. This slips easily into the next track. “Do You Remember Love?” which features a deft songwriting touch that bears some Americana and obvious Beatles-era pop influences. That song, in particular, takes a few unexpected turns adding string arrangements and employing the slide guitar in just the right places. It hits a sweet spot that continues naturally into “Maybe We’ll Fall in Love,” one of my favorite songs on the album. It’s a confident, wonderfully catchy rock tune a la Wilco that’s filled to the brim with fantastic guitar work and effective background vocal work.
The biggest departure comes right smack in the middle of the album, with the heavily psychedelic influence that rears up on “No Flowers.” It starts out in minimalistic fashion, with an eery kind of vocal delivery reminiscent of Pink Floyd (or a slightly less sparse Elliott Smith). The addition of a string arrangement builds some momentum, but again, this doesn’t head to a fever pitch into what would seem obvious. This sort of methodically meandering tune is followed up by the catchy and oh-so-sing-along-friendly “Sun Before I Set” and “Second Century Home.” The late ‘60s vibe is ever-present on all the tracks here, with the strongest compositions coming from that pop-rock wheelhouse.
There’s no arguing with the super clean, well-paced production of this record; it’s clearly a natural fit and progression for the Harters to successfully transition from behind the boards to producing their own work. And this most certainly adds dimension and depth to the song arrangements; their experience shows. But it truly is the songwriting, vocals and guitar work that shine on this album. It’s an exciting combination of influences that feels neither overproduced or underwhelming at any stage. Colleens are stepping out with a fresh sound that resonates with purpose and a touch of experimentation with Wild Dreams. The Harters are on to something; and I’m definitely listening.
Colleens website: http://www.colleensband.com/
(This originally appeared on Indie-Music.com at: http://www.indie-music.com/ee/index.php/blog/comments/review_colleens_wild_dreams)
Album: Wild Dreams
Genre: Americana / Classic Pop
RIYL: Wilco, Brendan Benson, Ryan Adams
You know that phrase “there must be something in the water”? In this case, when I pressed play on Wild Dreams, the Colleens’ debut album, I thought, “there must be something in the gene pool.” Colleens are led by brother duo Josh and Jon Harter, two recording engineers/producers by day who work with their father at KHM Studios in San Antonio, Texas. Whether it’s the genes or the immersion in music production over the years, it really doesn’t matter; the combination of drummer Jon and songwriter/guitarist/vocalist Josh is one that’s working naturally in tandem.
“About You” opens the record with an easy-on-the-ears melody that smoothly weaves in nice underlying guitar texture, keys that blend into a layered background and Josh Harter’s incredibly engaging vocals. This slips easily into the next track. “Do You Remember Love?” which features a deft songwriting touch that bears some Americana and obvious Beatles-era pop influences. That song, in particular, takes a few unexpected turns adding string arrangements and employing the slide guitar in just the right places. It hits a sweet spot that continues naturally into “Maybe We’ll Fall in Love,” one of my favorite songs on the album. It’s a confident, wonderfully catchy rock tune a la Wilco that’s filled to the brim with fantastic guitar work and effective background vocal work.
The biggest departure comes right smack in the middle of the album, with the heavily psychedelic influence that rears up on “No Flowers.” It starts out in minimalistic fashion, with an eery kind of vocal delivery reminiscent of Pink Floyd (or a slightly less sparse Elliott Smith). The addition of a string arrangement builds some momentum, but again, this doesn’t head to a fever pitch into what would seem obvious. This sort of methodically meandering tune is followed up by the catchy and oh-so-sing-along-friendly “Sun Before I Set” and “Second Century Home.” The late ‘60s vibe is ever-present on all the tracks here, with the strongest compositions coming from that pop-rock wheelhouse.
There’s no arguing with the super clean, well-paced production of this record; it’s clearly a natural fit and progression for the Harters to successfully transition from behind the boards to producing their own work. And this most certainly adds dimension and depth to the song arrangements; their experience shows. But it truly is the songwriting, vocals and guitar work that shine on this album. It’s an exciting combination of influences that feels neither overproduced or underwhelming at any stage. Colleens are stepping out with a fresh sound that resonates with purpose and a touch of experimentation with Wild Dreams. The Harters are on to something; and I’m definitely listening.
Colleens website: http://www.colleensband.com/
(This originally appeared on Indie-Music.com at: http://www.indie-music.com/ee/index.php/blog/comments/review_colleens_wild_dreams)
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