The Left Ready - The Left Ready

The Left Ready

The Left Ready
self-released; 2014

3.6 out of 5

By Courtney Hass

Previously known as The Mike Murray Trio, the boys are back in town with a new name. The Left Ready composed of members Mike Murray (vocals/guitar), Joel Metzler (drums/vocals) and Chris Krager (bass guitar/vocals) are a contemporary rock band with a good amount of attitude behind them. As a side note I was attempting to interpret the cover art, but the meaning eludes me. Perhaps it is a man attempting to connect with his spirit animal.  

The trio lives in two separate states, creating music from both Montana and Colorado. They collaborate frequently via cell phone and media messaging. The trio worked closely with producer Andy Pickett, who is partially responsible for One Republic's 2009 success Waking Up. Perhaps The Left Ready's catchy melodies and beats can be slightly attributed to Pickett's influence. 

The five songs on their self-titled debut EP The Left Ready are marked with a raw sound  that delivers a visceral reaction to the listener. Their sound is immediate with no pretension and highlighted by punchy guitars and then punctuated with energetic drumming.The band creates sounds similar to Muse, The Black Keys and The White Stripes. Murray hits high notes similar to those of Adam Levine in Maroon 5 and often has the tenacity of Jack White.

The first song on the EP “Long Way to Fall” is an upbeat, drum driven tune about regrets and trying to please the people in your life but continuously falling short. "Long Way To Fall" is one of the songs that are about the trials and tribulations of a  romantic relationship. The topic certainly isn't new territory but I have always thought that expressive blues/rock bands cathartic release was the most appropriate for the subject

The Left Ready's track “Ride the Cyclone” details humanity's struggle to spin through the crazy depths of life and take what's coming at us in stride. Aside from the squeaky squeal of an amp in “Never Let you Go” this EP has the potential for a few singles. 

If you liked the catchy choruses and earnest emotion of these tracks, be on the lookout because the band intends to release more music in April. The Left Ready is an upbeat sound to drum along on your steering wheel to, or sing along in your hairbrush or even do a shot. Their lyrics and melodies will be pulsing through your brain after a few listens.

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