freedom - freedom

Freedom 

Freedom
self-released; 2014

3.8 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

It may be slightly ironic that the band Freedom who sounds almost like the definition of Americana music comes from Melbourne, Australia. On their recent five-song self-titled EP Freedom they play songs bursting with emotions. The songs instill emotions such as melancholy, hope and nostalgia, and at the heart of it the music feels soulful and pure.

I absolutely loved the vocal work throughout the EP. The lead singer’s voice is warm, clear and attractive and often sounded like a combination of some of my favorite Americana folk singers from the ‘60s and ‘70s. Musically, the band is tight, forging an inspiring combination of organic instrumentation. They nail that crunchy electric lead guitar sound but also know how to make an acoustic guitar sound like it was recorded in 1967.

The bottom line is that fans of The Grateful Dead, The Allman Brothers, CCR and Crazy Horse will embrace this music. They start with a nostalgic, revival type song entitled “Big River Queen” that could pass for a B-side from Crazy Horse. The songwriting along with the guitar work and vocal harmonies are just so darn good you don’t mind the striking resemblance. It’s a great intro to a band that is merely a warm up. 


The next track “Climb” has an absolutely exceptional vocal performance. It rings with a warm melancholy that reverberates throughout your body in the best way possible. Put on a pair of headphones and let this song take you back. 

“Hometown Hero” is a bit more festive and seemed like something you would see hippies dancing to at Freedom’s live shows. It has a guitar solo that nails that ‘60s Grateful Dead tone. In fact the song as a whole veers towards something you would hear from the dead. Don’t miss the vocal harmonies on “Pink Sky” or the upbeat energy on closer “Five Minutes Alone.”

Freedom owes a lot to Americana music but the band sure as heck can write a song. The songs on Freedom are a blast to listen to. 

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