By the Light of the Moon EP
OldBoy
Raspy vocals and simple instrumental sequences make up OldBoy – a band of local Clevelanders with a sound ranging from rock to folk. Their sophomore release and eight song EP, By the Light of the Moon, precedes a (fingers-crossed) January release. Actually, the [old]boys are likely to be at Bad Racket studio recording AS YOU READ THIS.
A band of two years, OldBoy has a local, homegrown feel. By the Light of the Moon is a very organic release, featuring live cuts and vocal harmonies with a sound that could be found at your favorite coffee shop. The rough vocals of Shawn Brewster and Mike Kinsella bring harmonies and feeling to each song, but not in a swoon-inducing manner–better yet, in a way that grounds their songs and reiterates the message.
Frontman Shawn Brewster brushes aside the rock standards of guitar and drum and brings in the folk staples: harmonica and piano. This is when the best of OldBoy is revealed and when they are truly in their element. The mellow “Dead Lakes” is a perfect example, highlighting a time when the lyrics, vocals and instruments flow cohesively, accented by the simplicity of the song.
As it is such an early release, the EP also reveals OldBoy’s weaknesses. Transitions into the chorus and simply into the meat of the song stick out awkwardly. In most of the songs there is at least one line where it seems vocals are falling into a grid. Like playing Connect 4, lyrics are picked up and dropped into a specific slot–too exact for such a natural, organic song. “Children. Wake up. Hold your. Mistake up.” With there already being rhymes to make it flow, the strict structure makes it uncomfortable and cuts into the easy flow of guitar.
My main take on this album is that right now OldBoy is resting on coffee shop standards with dreams and potential to reach beyond it. Breaking out of their comfort zones and current musical limits, the four-some is absolutely capable of grabbing Clevelanders and making them listen, love and embrace their tunes.
OldBoy is willing and able to show you how their music can MOVE you, playing a free 8:30PM show on Tue 12/28 at Beachland Ballroom, accompanied by Clevelanders Istvan Medgyesi, Tastycakes, and Library Time. http://MySpace.com/oldboycleveland
Laurie Wanninger is a Cleveland convert, having lived in Pittsburgh for 20 years. After attending John Carroll University, she was sold on the city and now lives, works and breathes Cleveland. Spare time is spent DJing Music for Your Laundry List at WJCU 88.7, bicycling, going to local concerts and dreaming of microbrews and National Parks.