REVIEW: Ten Story Love, Ten Story Love
- Michael Van Gorden
Have you ever found that when you're tired of running after the next big thing in music and searching for an exciting new sound, sometimes you just want to sit back and listen to some old fashioned rock and roll? If this is the case, then Ten Story Love might be what you're looking for. On their total DIY debut, these four boys from New England remind us why we like rock and roll in the first place: it's fun!
The loud guitars hearken back to the days of Cheap Trick and early Goo Goo Dolls, and the tone of the record deals with, and I quote, "life, love, work, and even a 'Big Question' or two." The band has done their homework, expertly moving from one style to another. From the "New York Punk" sound of album opener "That Perfect Girl" to the funky sound of "In a different World," Ten Story Love show they have a wide and very excellent taste in music. Sample the jangly pop of "Marian on the steps" to the frenzied pair of out-and-out rockers "The Company Store" and "Grinding Wheel." The former the home of a scorching lead guitar solo, and the latter a dead-on Molly Hatchet vocal that fits perfectly.
There were two minor problems I found with this disc at first listen. First was the sound of the vocals. After repeated listening this seems more a product of the recording and mixing than it does lack of ability. The other minor issue is the inconsistency of the lyrics. At times the words are very simple, almost naive, yet at other times, such as on "The Human Torch," the lyrics are funny, insightful and downright brilliant.
That fact that this CD exists is proof enough that there are still people who care about rock and roll, and bands like Ten Story Love deserve our support. Check them out further at http://www.tenstorylove.com .
