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Indie
Rock Show Review I’m a CD credit junky, and upon first glance of Longday’s new release “An Explanation For My Behavior”, one can’t help but notice the producer name, Michael Sweet of Stryper fame. Being a sold out Stryper and Michael Sweet fan, I’m glad to get my hands on one more project including Michael for my full collection of Stryper treasures by my all time favorite male vocalist. I was immediately intrigued and curiosity got the best of me. Would this be another producer trying to re-live his own musical expression through the artist he produced, as is typical in most music these days. It seems that hardly anyone has a true sound of their own, but is a re-production of the producers biased view-scope & musical style. My inclinations were quickly put to rest upon first listen of this brilliant collection of songs that Longday has undeniably put their own original trademark on. Applause goes to Michael Sweet for excellent production and allowing Longday’s true nature to come through in every song.
So just what is Longday’s original sound? According to the band that hails from Boston, Massachusetts, it has been taking shape over the last 7 years of being together, and finally they have found their true vibe. That vibe is a more dramatic rock sound with plenty of depth in the musical composition and lyrics. It’s like anything you’d hear on top 40 radio, but unlike any single band you’ve ever heard. Fuel, Creed, The Calling and the Goo Goo Dolls come to mind, but in all honesty, can’t be credited for the band’s sound. Longday is one of a kind and their music is going make an impact in the music world for sure.
I often try to pinpoint the best songs on the CD when doing these reviews, but this one was tough. Every song on this CD is top notch and there are so many hooky, radio ready songs, it’s hard to narrow down the list on this 12 song CD of winners. Each song compliments the next and there are no odd-balls, meaning songs that just don’t fit the artist’s flavor. But if you’re twisting my arm, the hottest two tunes in my personal opinion are the title track “An Explanation For My Behavior” and “Grace” which both capture you with an inescapable hook. Lead singer Jesse Dold has a way of wooing you with his very expressive & artistically rock vocals. All the arrangements from the guitar licks by Wes Brown, to the bass by Nick Silva & drums by Greg Silva are solid, leaving no room for error. Rock fans will get into this project and not want to get out. There are CD’s that have a few good songs encompassed by a bunch of fillers. Not so with Longday’s “Explanation..” It’s a disc you’ll want to listen to over and over again. Other hot tracks included in the hit-mix line-up: “One”, “Ridiculous Disguise”, “Back To Me”, “Follow”, “Cover”, “After The Rain”, and the worship oriented “Fade” which is a rock-worship classic.
I urge you to get to know this band beyond the music. Their mission statement is impressive and the band is driven to make an impact in this world in the name of Christ. You won’t be disappointed. |