ASTROVAN - EP review added 26th Month 2011
EP Review: You Said It Man EP (2010)
For fans of: Rock... and a deep yellow cartoon feel
AstroVan - Deezer Hooch on lead vocals, Sam Damage on lead guitar/vocals, Big Zeke on rhythm guitar/vocals, Tony Mac on bass, and Donnie Metro on drums - hails from Seattle. The band has already opened for Nickelback and Papa Roach, and to all intents and purposes is garnering quite a following.
The "You Said It Man" EP, the band's debut, was produced/engineered by Don Gunn (Peter Frampton, Death Cab For Cutie) at Jason Mcgerr's Two Sticks Audio. They are already working on their first full-length album "Rollin On Shabbos" which should be released early 2011.
The band's sound is rock with hints of hard, classic, Southern blues, and a few unsurprising nods to grunge.
Good:
Deezer's vocals are splendid. He isn't massively unique or recognizable, but he has a controlled tone and a great range. AstroVan's music is lively and interesting, blatantly with an eye on the live arena. The production is ample, as is the musicianship.
Not So Good:
Every aspect of the band's work is good, but none (as of yet) is exceptional. There's no doubt these guys can play (guitarist Sam Damage is off out on tour with Grammy award winning Lauryn Hill soon) but they don't seem to push themselves as massively as I'm sure they could.
The Songs:
The boisterous 'Twelve Gauge Promise' is the standout entry, but that's not to take anything away from the other songs. This is a well rounded EP that promises much for the future.
In Summation:
The "You Said It Man" EP acts as a fine pointer. If they can build on this in a big way, their first LP could have some real balls.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Check out... 'Twelve Gauge Promise'
Track List:
01. Too Proud
02. Twelve Gauge Promise
03. Every Change
04. Uptight
05. Hollywood Shuffle
06. Get Down
Artist's website(s): Astrovan | MySpace | Facebook
