 |
LARRABEE | SPLIT w/ THE COLD BEAT | LIVE
A great record has more than just well-written songs. It has more than quality production. A great record captures a moment perfectly; you can hear the emotion in every bended note and strummed chord. It seems natural, almost effortless, and just feels right.
For Movers & Shakers, Larrabee is that album. Recorded in a cabin in the woods of Maine, Larrabee meanders from Replacements-ish punk to Tom Waits'the Band added a little dirt and grit to their repertoire. From start to finish, Larrabee places you side by side with the band; you’re with them as they kick back some beers before laying down a track; you’re sitting with them on the porch of the cabin, looking out into the summer night; you take that shot of whiskey with them before they decide to add some trumpet blares to give “Boom Splat” its texture. burlesque, to good old backwoods rock. It's as if Opening with the almost gospel-themed “Adventures in an Unrealistic Life,” the Boston-based group explores all forms of Americana: gospel, soul, rock, country, punk -- it's all here. They transport you to another place and time, while still being able to sound fresh and relevant. In an age when music can become so digitized, Movers & Shakers reminds the listener what it’s like to become part of a record, to stay active and listen for the little things. Harmonies, claps, whistles, drunken mumbling all come through in subtle elegance on Larrabee. In another time Movers & Shakers would have been the mythical musicians roaming the South and Midwest playing in dance-halls and roadhouses. They are musicians that have honed their craft and reverted back to a sound of the past. Simple in their execution, Movers & Shakers rely on the emotions emitted through their instruments and voices. On the ballad “Find a Reason,” a simple layered guitar intro leads to the soulful verse; “I've been reading all the headlines, quick as she come along she’ll be gone with the fireflies” cuts right to your stomach and you feel the ache. This is a song (and an album) to relieve the stresses of the modern world, to find solace in friends, beer, crappy bars and hard work. By the time the full band kicks in with a pounding shuffle, the song takes you away on a train (or so the lyrics say), relieving your pain in the process. On “Bottom of the Ocean,” a song seemed to have been stolen straight from the vaults of the Band, mandolin and all, the group creates a country-rock depression, yearning for love, yet still knowing their faults can push it away. Closing with “Take Me Home,” Movers & Shakers instill a Memphis-soul sound that would make Alex Chilton proud. Mixed with the storytelling of Blake Schwarzenbach, this closer tells the tale of those downtrodden, working-class heroes that are constantly being rehashed. But instead of purely relating their depressed tales, there is a sense of a hope and gospel glory that is ready to sweep them away. Like all of Larrabee, “Take Me Home” embodies the idea that something better will come; maybe Movers & Shakers is that something. Moving & Shaking - Imagine you're driving down the highway. You're young, you have a couple of your closest friends with you and not a care in the world. It's hot, the top is down and you are all singing at the top of your lungs to the soundtrack of your summer. We've all had these moments. If we close our eyes right now, each one of us can picture that exact moment. Now when we hear those songs from our past, a smile breaks that stone facade no matter where you are in life.
For those lucky enough to stumble upon Movers & Shakers' "Larrabee", this will be their soundtrack. Roots rock with anthem like choruses, this album has all the makings of the album someone will constantly refer back to in their lives.
Movers & Shakers consists of Matt Price (guitar, vocals), Graham Stetler (drums, harmonica), Marc Valois (guitar, vocals, organ) and Dan Wallace (bass, vocals). These four boys from Boston locked themselves in a cabin in Maine to record this album. They've been compared to bnds like Drive By Truckers and Uncle Tupelo but I hear other influences in this album. Early Elvis Costello Tom Waits is brought right through on "Boom Splat." comes to mind at certain points.
Over the past couple of days, I have listened to this album five, six... nine times. One word continues to come to wind... timeless. This album could have been recorded in the late sixties with the rock revolution or the late seventies or eighties with early punk and the introduction of MTV. Early Bruce Springsteen and even the Clash influences work their way in there as well.
This album is filled with nuggets of just flat out fun rock. "The Evidence, the Proof", possibly the best song on the album, will have you out your set and shouting along to the chorus. "Adventures in an Unrealistic Life" is a bar tune with all of the frothy trimmings. "Find a Reason" has the early Elvis Costello catchiness. "Take Me Home" is the final track on the album and worth the wait. Another song that will play in your head for days, this one just screams Paul Westerberg.
Movers & Shakers seems to be a hidden gem up in the Northeast. If their live show is anything like this album, the rest of us are missing out.
-Chicks with Guns, cwgalbumreviews.blogspot.com
Movers and Shakers are Americana, big time. In the midst of rough vocals, jangly guitars, four-on-the-floor drumming, and a shimmering organ, their music evokes late-night diners, country highways, pick-up basketball games, and fly-fishing. In a diverse selection of songs, the band captures much of the ambience of the Yankee experience, which is to say that they take a down-home musical thread and run with it. The songs are highly atmospheric, with more emphasis on textures than on hooks. Take “Movin’ On,” a roadtrip rocker whose layered guitars and ballpark organ backing color a warm summer evening—very pleasant. Or “Take Me Home,” which combines a lo-fi punk aesthetic with boogie woogie piano through the verses and choruses, only to climax into a beautifully understated horn theme that floats on prairie winds. And then there’s the delicate mandolin and understated vocals of “A Goddamn Miracle,” an introspective jaunt that takes advantage of the spaces in between the notes. Movers and Shakers aren’t solely Roots rock, though; they show off a number of odder pieces, such as the Tom Waits-y “Boom Splat,” which transitions through a raucous barroom blues and a Dropkick Murphys chorus, before breaking apart into a nifty musique concréte coda. Not entirely successful is “Lola,” an echo-y psychedelic dirge that overstays its welcome by more than a few minutes. But, such risk-taking aside, Movers and Shakers is a healthy slice of American pie, and well worth a listen. On “Larrabee,” the simple melodies are defined by sparkling guitars, juicy organ riffs, a strong, potent horn section, and passionate, piss and vinaigrette vocals that are explosive and expressive. They obviously enjoy what they’re playing, and they make their records absolutely lovable.
Movers and Shakers can take the trashier aspects of the Rolling Stones, and couple it with the high-powered approach of Joe Cocker, at his “With-A-Little-Help-From-My-Friends,” best! Not that they’re a completely retro band, Movers & Shakers take a back to the future approach like contemporaries The Felice Brothers or Tom Waits.
“Take Your Time, “Boom Splat,” or actually, any song on “Larrabee” the characters are fleshed out in a way that you feel you either know them, sympathize with them, or utterly despise them by the end of the song. Not many bands have that ability, but Movers & Shakers take full advantage of that. You come away with a full understanding of what the band and their music are about.
“Movers & Shakers” may not be a household name yet, but with a good chunk of radio play, and some crucial opening slots, the band has the ability, and spirit to keep going. They follow the road less traveled, which is the righteous path that many original rock ’n’ roll bands with flair and serious skills take.
-Jersey Beat - Jerseybeat.com
Boston’s Movers & Shakers bring on the Country grit crossed with punker energy and a Pop glaze on their sophomore album, Larrabee. Recorded in a cabin in the Maine woods, the album has the raw, unadorned quality that only a New England summer could inspire. Compared to the likes of The Replacements, Tom Waits and even Uncle Tupelo, Movers & Shakers certainly seem to have struck a chord with listeners and critics alike.
Larrabee opens with Adventures In Unrealistic Life, a big old Americana pub tune if ever I've heard one. You could almost see the cast of Cheers breaking into this song while Coach Ernie Pantuso serves up another round. Take Your Time is a great upbeat acoustic/electric tune that leans more toward the rock side of the scale. This is a great pop tune but retains enough of a garage sound to be palatable to Indie fans. All Of My Lines sticks loosely within the Americana realm, but struggles to break free into a virulent post-punk rock tune at times. This is swaying on the lawn of an amphitheater in summertime with your lighter raised music.
Find A Reason is a classic country rocker that will get in your head and dance around for days, reminiscent of what The Heartbreakers might sound like if Shane MacGowan were singing instead of Tom Petty. The Evidence, The Proof rips the roof off in a style that I can old describe as Punktry/Americana. This is the best written track on the disc and should appeal to fans across several genres. In The Eyes finds Movers & Shakers back in Tom Petty's neighborhood, with lead vocalist Matt Price providing a rough edged vocal that fits the sound perfectly. Boomsplat gets a little Texas Blues guitar styles going in a fun tune that will make you want to get up and dance. The album closes out with Take Me Home, a classic pop/rock tune dressed up in Americana trappings that will dance around your brain for days after listening.
Movers & Shakers offer up some delicious Americana with Punk energy and Rock N Roll flare on Larrabee. This is perhaps one of the most pleasant musical surprises thus far in 2009. Here's hoping Movers & Shakers keeps coming back with more!
Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)
-Wildy's World - wildysworld.blogspot.com
With guitarist Matt Price's whiskey-soaked voice and Marc Valois' pulsating organ, Movers & Shakers come on like a 21st-century iteration of the Band. Similarly, mandolins twang, trumpets blare, and drums pound, but the Boston-by-way-of-Austin quartet rare-ly sounds like an oldies act. On the Maine cabin-recorded Larrabee, roots rock meets alternative rock, and fans of the Replacements, Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros, and My Morning Jacket would do wise to lend these fellows an ear.
-AndMoreAgain - kathleencfennessy.blogspot.com
Boston’s Movers & Shakers have a great little record called Larrabee that’s “officially” coming out on June 9th. It’s full of wide-ranging, ragged, and sprawling Americana rock that references everything from Paul Westerberg to The Band and from Lucero to The Clash. Sure, it’s nothing new but done well enough that you just might like them apples. I sure do like ‘em.
-Can You See the Sunset - canyouseethesunset.com
Raggedy roots-inflected punk songs--or is that raggedy punk-inflected rootsy stuff? Movers and Shakers don't seem to know the difference, so I won't worry about it, either. And that's okay. This is music best savored while drinking cheap beer or cheaper bourbon. It's loud, often fast and generally tuneful. There are a few moments where I think the boys might've cribbed a bit too much from early Uncle Tupelo, but at least their hearts are in the right place.
The band has a fine take-no-prisoners attitude, and the production reflects this. The Wurlitzer (or, sometimes, unbranded organ) is a fine touch, but oftentimes the levels are just about pegged. That slight descent into distortion lends even more power to these pieces.
Line up your quarters and play. Don't worry about tomorrow. Just drive it home tonight. Okay, then.
-A&A - www.aidabet.com
Gruff Americana has been all the rage since The Drive-By Truckers began making their mark on the world of indie rock, and in that spirit comes the slightly punkier Movers & Shakers D.I.Y. debut album, Larrabee. They may not be changing the genre, but they’re right on top of it, making tough rock and roll withi especially hot drums.
One thing that sets them apart is their ability to change things up midsong, which they do on the the almost Clash-like track, “Bottom of the Ocean,” my personal favorite song on the album. It starts like a Gaslight Anthem tune, but ends up with (almost sweet?) vocal harmonies and a great tempo change halfway through. It’s the kind of song that makes you wanna shout. “The Evidence, The Proof,” is another standout track and obvious cut for first single, mixing a Springsteen vibe with a ’80s mullet chant. Music for young men, by young men. And don’t leave before the great closing track, “Take Me Home.”
Dig it!
-Berkeley Place - berkeleyplaceblog.com
With their genuine Americana sound, Movers & Shakers present a unique style that isn’t often heard, particularly in New England. The Boston, Massachusetts based band incorporates sounds from many different aspects of Americana culture, blending twangy guitars, legato organs, and punk-influenced vocals into its style. The result is undeniably unique and passionate.
“Adventures In An Unrealistic Life” starts Larrabee off. The song is relatively slow, with a simple triple time signature giving it a swung feel. The slow tempo causes the song to drag, however, making “Adventures In An Unrealistic Life” a poor choice for a first track. “Take Your Time” proves to be much stronger. The song begins with the guitar riff that later becomes the song’s foundation, adding drums and organ before the vocals enter. Vocals on “Take Your Time” are well representative of Larrabee. Though rough in tone, the melodies are on pitch and surprisingly catchy on the choruses. The song overall is very steady and upbeat, keeping with the band’s Americana style without becoming outdated.
Though still stylistically akin to the rest of Larrabee, “Find A Reason” opens with a much slower and more country western oriented sound than any of the tracks that come before it. The slower sound makes the whining tone of the vocals much more evident, making the first minute of “Find A Reason” somewhat painful. After this extended introduction, however, the song picks up with a more rock-oriented feel and the vocals feel more natural. “The Evidence, The Proof” is among Larrabee’s best tracks, breaking into a faster pace immediately and adding gang vocals soon after. The organ is used extremely well as an instrumental foundation during the verses and as a strong accent between verses. The addition of church bells over guitar as the song draws to a close adds a new level of character to “The Evidence, The Proof” as well.
Something like a slowed down psychobilly song, “Boom Splat” stands out on Larrabee. More experimental in terms of key and vocal tone, “Boom Splat” is much darker than the rest of Larrabee and dabbles in rhythmic ideas that are foreign to the rest of the album. Though the verses are very different than the rest of Larrabee, they add a new level of depth to the album. The choruses are more similar to the sound exhibited on the rest of Movers & Shakers’ songs, helping to tie it into the album more securely.
Larrabee’s final track, “Take Me Home,” is an upbeat song, with catchy lead lines and a more punk-influenced feel than much of the album. The vocals fit well over bright guitars and bright organ parts. With varied instrumentation and a lingering instrumental outro, “Take Me Home” proves itself to be much stronger as a finishing track than “Adventures In An Unrealistic Life” is as an opening track. This is fitting for Larrabee, though; the album grows stronger as it progresses. Movers & Shakers’ unique sound is an acquired taste, but as listeners adapt to it they’re likely to find it enjoyable.
-Revolt - blog.revolt-media.com
Boston’s prodigies of all good-things Americana, performed a tight nine song set at the Middle East Downstairs on Thursday, March 25th. Movers & Shakers’ music encapsulates some of the best elements of Americana: A fusion of rock, country and blues that form a fluid, sometimes gritty, simultaneously mournful and uplifting sound that hits as comforting and familiar even when it’s brand new. Their vocals are strong, at times melancholy and always imbued with a playful twinge of country twang that lends itself to both rambling rock songs and slower, mournful ballads. The balance of alt-rock lamentations and bluesy warbles blend harmoniously to bind the songs to each other, creating a cohesive overarching feel to the music that allows the group to shift focus to different styles ingrained in their work.
The instrumental work is strong: Rambling country-rock guitar sounds break into darker crescendos as effortlessly as they spin into freestyle breakdowns that showcase elements of bluegrass and jam bands. Drum work is tight, forceful without being overpowering, a solid and deep rhythm while the use of symbols adds a layer of metallic dissonance that comes across as being a necessary punctuation to the music. These musical layers inter-weave to create songs that ring as comforting, enjoyably familiar and accessible without being a rehashing of previous styles.
Movers & Shakers have carved their name through their catchy Americana offerings, energizing songs that draw equally from rock and country, bluegrass and rambling jams that all sounds fresh without sacrificing the portmanteau essence of the genre. Indeed, stepping into their music is a homecoming of sorts, a return to the classics ingrained in our musical consciousness that simultaneously challenges the audience to experience those classics in new ways. Movers & Shakers consistently re-examine the roots of American music to create glittering songs that blend dynamic vocals, talented guitars and solid rhythms to create the unique sense that their music is not something heard but something remembered.
April 8 2010
Northeastern University Boston, MA w/ the Delta Spirit
Boston's Movers & Shakers meld soul and punk into their roots-rock sound. On record, horns, three-part harmonies and organ flourishes create a sound reminiscent of The Band - but live, the songs take on a grittier sound. Throughout their solid set opening for Delta Spirit at Northeastern's AfterHours club I couldn't help but draw Replacements comparisons, with more anthemic, fist-pumping choruses. These are songs designed for larger stages.
Jan. 10 2010 Middle East Up w/ Drug Rug
Cambridge, MA
from PERFORMER
...The crowd was most wound up before Movers & Shakers took the stage. Working around the absurd posted rules for dancing, the crowd was way into the whole set - it was so full of energy it was hard to not be dragged in. The whole band - from the woodsy, flannelled Dan Wallace on bass, to the ever-entertaining Marc Valois on guitar, organ and vocals - rocked the entire time. Playing many tracks from their record, Larrabee, Movers and Shakers' set was textbook for how to attract new fans and keep the energy high, the songs upbeat and the crowd invested...
June 9 2010 Great Scott
Allston, MA
Last night Boston’s Movers and Shakers brought their brand of Replacements-era punk meets Tom Waits grit to Great Scott to play the final show of local legends The Serious Geniuses with Bread & Roses and Lemuria. Much like their press photos imply, the PBR was a plenty and these guys showed the packed house just how tight their live show can be.
The group may have been one of the opening acts, but with the hometown crowd on their side and a recently released record full of alt-rock/country laced anthems and tales of life, the group might as well be the closer. I mean, it’s not for everyone, but the best music is never intended to reach the masses – it’s intended to hit a certain group like a bullet and last night the entire crowd fell victim to Movers & Shakers steady aim.
|
PRESS
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)