The Gliders
by Jason Timoll

Last year, four men in Harrisburg joined forces to create music that is at once traditional and unique. They were successful. Known as The Gliders, this band has released a four-song album and can be heard on the web at both MP3.com and thegliders.com.

I liked this CD from the first song — simply because it is extremely easy to digest. The disc plays on in a way that offered very few surprises, all the while remaining enjoyable to the end. The style of music, while often predictable, will avail itself to many and allow for them to write an infinite amount of songs that are true to their genre.

In an attempt to know what to expect from the record, I went to The Gliders’ website. The band wisely makes descriptive reference to bands ranging from Tom Petty, R.E.M, and John Hiatt to Son Volt and Wilco. While these comparisons may seem far-reaching to some, I found them to be very apt. There is a prolific chain of evolution between the aforementioned bands. At the oldest and newest ends of this chain are considerably different musical presentations. The Gliders sew the collective commonality of these bands together more effectively than most of the many bands that try.

Perhaps it is the beauty and humility of the bold but distinctly undistorted guitar tone that endears me to this musical format more than anything else. The tone sets a mood of reflection rather than angst. It allows for a story to be told by giving deference to the lyric and stylistic qualities of the vocal performance. I noticed right away that these lyrics were not the work of teenagers. In a race that often deems youth an essential asset for success, let me state clearly that the previous sentence is an unabashed compliment. The ability to experience great stories and turn them into a polished presentation takes time, though eighteen year olds usually have louder guitars. It depends on what you’re measuring.

My favorite song on this album — the song that also seems to be getting them the most attention — is the first song on the record, "Walk Before I Crawled." True to Americana or what is sometimes referred to as "No Depression" rock, this song has been crafted to include a signature guitar riff, a great hook, and several great stories that resolve themselves with the chorus very cleverly. This song sounds like it could be the latest release of the Traveling Wilburys. Like most of the CD, the singing is solid, but not smashing. Stylistically, this music does not lend itself to over-powering vocals. It is the understatement of the vocal tracks that bring the pain and truth to the table. Likewise, the harmonies throughout the CD are very well designed but no less subtle. A nice touch.

The second song, "Tragic Comedy," slows the pace just a bit. Once again it is the feel rather than the technical aspect of this song that defines it. I particularly liked the vocal inflection choices on this somewhat darker song. This song displays the harmony abilities before the chorus sets in which is very effective. "Waking Up Can’t Be That Fun." Did I say "No Depression" music? Like the spirit of a generation with too many choices to be happy, this song concludes by stating, "I just can’t find my way." This song is not truly depressing unless you pay too much attention to the lyrics. It remains contemplative and in that way true and artistic in it’s value.

"Not Say Goodbye," the third song on this short compilation, is too sing-songy for my tastes. In the attempt to make every verse rhyme, they came up with some somewhat shallow writing. The writing of the band is generally very strong, so some of these verses suffer by comparison and spoil the listener. It is a fun song and after all, it’s rock and roll.

At the end of this short CD is "Anything But Love" which is also a rather jingly song that remains me of "Playin’ In The Band." It is happy and light, almost country but not quite. It is, as promised, "distinctly American." A smooth guitar voicing and appropriate solo make the listener wish there was a fifth song. Like the previous song, this one was well recorded and mixed appropriately. It is backed up by confident drum playing and witty presentation.

I like The Gliders work and will be excited to hear what is in their future. They are honest like their songs. They don’t pretend to be what they are not and don’t try to do what they would not do well. Consequently, they have an offering to be proud of and have the foundation for a full-length album. I hope that people will go their website and listen for themselves. It’s music that very easy to like. Isn’t that what it’s all about?