The Leavelles - echo

The Leavelles

Echo
self-released; 2013

3.6 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

The Leavelles have a story that a lot of other bands have who have some sort of home studio. Back in 2012 Frank Colwell (lead vocals) and Joe McClour (guitar) began recording their debut album Echo and it wasn't until after they started recording that they began practicing with David Mahaffey who would later become the drummer. Echo is a well-produced eight-track album that combines rock, country and pop music. The songs are easy to enjoy and accessible to just about anyone who enjoys a well-written song. There is an eclectic mix of emotion on the album. They inject some humor, melancholy, nostalgia and hope providing an enjoyable listening experience that doesn't get stale.

They start with a soft rock style song entitled “Echo” that is not unlike something you might hear from a band like Wilco. The guys focus on vocal melodies and infectious guitar riffs to keep your attention while the drum and bass provide a solid foundation. ”All I Want” has some country twang and nostalgia along with a pretty catchy vocal melody. It is a good song but sometimes I felt the energy level could have been elevated. “Bridge” is an upbeat song that was almost too poppy while “Probably Right” contains a very welcome horn section. 

The highlight of the album is the folk/country song entitled “Nothing Turns Me On.” The vocal work is some of the best on the album as they harmonize and are backed by a banjo. They wear country well as it seemed to be the one genre that really fit their singing style. 

The other track that caught my attention was “Feels Like The End.” It was fairly straightforward but has another solid vocal performance that stuck with me. They close with “Annabel,” which starts off as a folk song that eventually transforms to a soft rock through the addition of drums and electric guitar.

Overall there is a mixed bag of songs that might appeal to you so give it a spin.

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