REVIEW: Language, Language (T21 Records)
- Linda Scott
South Carolina is not known as a hotbed for up and coming bands. If you start anywhere in the South, you have to work unusually hard to get known beyond the region. Southern rock is an accepted genre that is even sought after by those national labels, but musicians working with other styles push hard for recognition. Language is a melodic pop band out of South Carolina that's hoping to build a strong regional base but ultimately make the leap to a national setting. Built on the base of the now defunct band, The Revolvers, the band's mainstay is William Bates. Bates is the singer/songwriter, guitarist and bassist on Language. Next in the Language trio is Joe Jogodka on drums, percussion and electronica. Renee Goforth, an orchestral veteran, handles the string arrangements.
Language has 14 tracks full of heartfelt emotions and romance. The style of the songs is much like Sting's or a softer McCartney, the kind of album you could play during a candlelight dinner. The lyrics are gentle and the music never overwhelms them. Bates has a clear, strong voice, and he gives each of his songs the effort and phrasing it deserves. Goforth's arrangements provide support and accents. Especially likeable are these tracks: "Tell Me How You Want Me" (lead-off track), "I Don't Want To Hurt You" (probably the catchiest tune on the album), and the final track "Dusk".
The Language trio is getting out their first album, but the band's experience level is high. Bates and Jogodka were both in The Revolvers and several other bands while Goforth performed with the Atlanta Pops and the San Antonio Symphony. The talent is definitely there. Langauage is the first demonstration of their work together, and we'll likely be seeing more from them. Keep track of this new band at their web site: http://www.mindspring.com/~t21music
