Local Exposure
CD Reviews of Area Musicians
by Michelle Yoffee-Beard
Star Radio
Star Radio EP
[Independent Release]
An acquaintance of mine asked me if I could giver
her brother’s band some help. She knew I worked as a reviewer and wondered if I could
give their CD a listen. Being the nice person I am, I agreed and several weeks later, a CD
arrived in the mail. Honestly, it sat upon my shelf collection dust. I was fully
expecting to hear some God awful basement recordings, or worse. But, this reviewer
was completely blown away by some damn good alt-country. Star Radio’s self
titled, 5 song EP bows to the altar of Uncle Tupelo, yet manages to explore some familiar
territory without sounding derivative. Backed up by Paul Keaveney (guitar), Ralph
Bagnato (drums), and Jon Walter (bass/B3 organ), Singer/songwriter Troy Beiser’s
voice is what makes the songs work. Whether rocking out like Crazy Horse, on tracks
like, “Only Of You Want” and “Melissa”, or with plaintive laziness on
the stand out “Paris Street”, Star Radio is a very pleasant and highly flavorful
surprise. Star Radio recorded the EP only shortly after the band formed and they are
currently at work on a full-length follow-up. By all means, go check them out and
don’t hesitate to spend your hard-earned money on this quality CD.
The Robert Reilly Band
In the Absence of Reason
[T.I.N. Records]
Robert Reilly has a very distinct voice.
In fact, on first listen, his voice almost made me stop listening to the CD.
But like Freedy Johnston, his unique voice becomes more endearing with each listen.
Robert has been around professional music since the early 90’s. He has
toured with major label artists, played some of the larger showcase festivals, such as
South by Southwest, and is no newcomer to the music industry. What is new is The
Robert Reilly Band. The bands’ first CD, In the Absence of Reason,
features such Central Pennsylvania stalwarts as Rej Troup and Bob Welch, and was recorded
at Harrisburg’s Green Room. For what basically constitutes the bands’
debut CD, the sound is hook laden, roots rock that would fit nicely on WXPN’s play
list. The CD sounds great. It has truly tight playing, which at times reminds me of the
Wallflowers, especially the liberal use of the Hammond Organ. In the Absence of Reason,
is definitely a worthwhile CD score, that grows more endearing each listen. Check it
out.
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