Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
By: Noah John - Staff Writer
Date Posted: November 05, 2003
Local musical group Algoma is having a CD release show this Friday for their first album, "A Day Like This," at the Ex-Urban Exchange in downtown Houghton. The album was recorded at the Ex-Urban last winter.
Self-described as "alternative country," the band has been around for several years, playing frequent shows at various venues. They've performed with other local favorites Rhythm Kitchen, The Lumberjanes, Erik Koskinen and Carp. And their upcoming album, put simply, rocks.
Justin Plichta, one of the band's guitarists and vocalist, describes the band's sound as "a lot of train truckin' beats without the cheesy whining country singer, plus a bit of rock with funk highlights." Their website states boldly, "we like rock'n'roll without violence, and we like country without country singers."
After hearing it only once, the album can be described as very mellow, relaxed and catchy. It does have some fairly strong country influences, but definitely in a good way. And it does not have a twangy vocalist by a long stretch.
One of my favorite tracks is "Einstein's Romance." It's a very nerdy love song, very catchy and smooth. The closing track, "Katalin's Tune," is very well recorded and soothing.
Look forward to getting your hands on your own copy of the album this Friday, Nov. 7. The release show is at the Ex-Urban Exchange. The doors open at 9 p.m. and cover is five dollars.
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Copyright 2003, 2004 Michigan Tech Lode. All rights reserved.
- Michigan Tech Lode
Upon listening to, "a day like this", I was reminded of that balmy, organic rock sound similar to that of groups like Wilco or the Wallflowers. (Algoma)…provides a cool, provincial approach to the rustic tones of Americana. This can definitely be heard in songs like "Einstein’s Romance" and "It could be so easy". With their tranquil, fluent streams and intricate orchestration, these are exactly the type of tunes that are sure to make an impression on both college and commercial airwaves. While every song is worthy of mention, "Katalin’s Tune" is probably my favorite track off the album. This sentimental little shanty glides along via crisp acoustics and warm vocals, providing to be quite the heartwarmer. All in all, "a day like this" boasts of proficient songwriting. - Ryan Hoffer - A&R Director, Shuteye Records
Discography
"Misery Sessions Vol. 5" - 2003 Spinout Records
(www.spinoutrecords.com/catalog/compilations-misery5.html)
"a day like this" - LP Released Nov. 7th 2003
(www.cdbaby.com/cd/algoma)
"rAAAdio Now!" - Shuteye Records
(www.shuteyerecords.com/raaadio_now.htm)
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Algoma is an alternative rock (americana) band with deep roots in the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan. The key word here is ‘alternative’, don't expect a night of voice cracking ‘tear in my beer on account of my cheating wife and girlfriend shot my dog’.
Used as a vessel for the songwriting talents of founders Justin Plichta, and Randy Wakeham, accompanied by Chris Pinnow on keys, Shawn Badanjik on drums, and Scott McIntosh on bass, algoma has flourished in the small musically supportive community they call home. Johnny Cash, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, and the likes of Jeff Tweedy weigh heavy in algoma’s writing style. There are also Funkadelik, Traffic, and AC/DC undertows that refuse to be suppressed.
Algoma is currently supporting their debut album "a day like this", self-produced and recorded at Ex-Urban Studios in Houghton, MI and engineered by professional musician and producer Bernie Larson of Spinout Records. Their sets consist of these songs, along with many other original tunes, as well as a few choice covers along the way. For four years algoma has been a frequent act in venues around the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and they are itching to spread their wings.
There are many different meanings for the word algoma, most have some connection with the Great Lake Superior which surrounds their home. Its effect on each of them throughout the years has been inescapable and you can hear it in their music. They play rock’n’roll without violence, and country without country singing, they're algoma.
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