|
Indie
Rock Show Review For those of you who only think of traveling salesmen and stubborn Iowans when you think of Iowa, (and “Ioway” to outsiders according to the townsfolk in “The Music Man”) please check out this modern pop/rock band Ramshackle and their self-titled release “Ramshackle” for a change of stereotype. With a “Ben Folds Five” vibe mixed in with a little “Newsboys” and “3 Doors Down” pop-rock, these four guys from Marion, Iowa consist of Ryan DeCook and three brothers T.J., Brian and Adam Calcara, all who attend the University of Northern Iowa together. Already joining the ranks of indies on the rise, Ramshackle has shared the stage with professional Christian artists like LaRue, The Normals, Scarecrow and Tinmen, Aurora and Petra. Performing for audiences all over the mid-west and with international touring under their belt, the band will make the second run of their tour of Turkey through the Turkey Asia Creative Outreach (TACO) this year. Ramshackle’s music reflects their faith and is ministry focused, portraying original songs of personal experience and meaning. Those searching for genuine musicianship will appreciate the musical expertise and originality in this young band of professionally trained musicians which is reflected in their well-crafted original music.
With production by CR Pendleton that rivals any other top of the line indie production, young audiences will appreciate the musical trend and message alike of Ramshackle. With great songs that catch the listener from the get-go, the top tunes of this collection start out with “Ride” which has a slight Limp Bizkit jam in which the message and mission of this band is loud and clear: “we will ride with you”. Following the strong start is “A Little More of You’ which combines elements of “Ben Folds Five” and “The Newsboys/early DC Talk”. But the most defining song on the CD and strong suit of the band is found with “Hy-vee Jubilee” which has a faster and edgier acoustic rock sound than “Hootie And The Blowfish” with a “Good Charlotte/Barenaked Ladies” fun feel. This is where the strength of the songwriting and style shines brightest in this young band. It’s a very hooky tune that will lead Ramshackle into a more identifiable style of their own if they choose to follow these paths in future endeavors. It seems to suit the vocal style of lead singer TJ more-so than the other tunes. And just what is “Hy-vee Jubilee” supposed to mean? It’s their local grocery store, “Hy-Vee” of which the band shares their working experience with us. It’s really a clever and fun tune just talking about life. Adding a dash of spice to the mix of original tunes is the spoken word stylings of “My Confession” which boasts a wah wah guitar – very nice touch to this funky tune. “Storms of My Life” which has a “Three Doors Down” minor guitar style intro but then kicks into a major 3/4 tempo and feel on the chorus displays the creativity of these college music majors and their musical theory skills. Well done on all the songwriting and you’ll find no trite lyrics or predictable amateur musicianship on any of it. It’s nice to see true artistry and musicianship in the forefront for a change rather than marketing which normally dictates the music industry these days.
Ramshackle is a very young band, but already shows extraordinary and professional musicianship, songwriting and a future of unlimited potential with the ingredients to be one of the top indie bands on the move. For music with a message, Ramshackle has got it’s priorities in order.
|