Cardinal Direction
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Cardinal Direction

Band Rock Acoustic

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

The best kept secret in music

Press


"Cardinal Direction "Take It Back" Review"

Acoustic rock is making a comeback. Cardinal Direction, a four-piece band from Boston, is bound to head to the top of the acoustic rock charts. Driven by three and four part harmonies, the band’s funky grass-roots album entitled, “Take it Back” is a combination of groovy percussion, simple bass lines, rhythmic guitar chords and mannered singing. The artful melodies grab a listener’s ear while the passionate and light-hearted lyrics evoke images of the coffeehouse scene.


It’s the pure and uncomplicated sound of the nine tracks that create such an uplifting album. The backdrop of Michael Mahoney’s expertise on drums and percussion gives the band an edge over others in the acoustic rock genre. On the percussion-driven “One Fast Year,” the heavy beats intermingle with bouncy vocals and cadenced strumming. The result is an upbeat, standout track. Its Mahoney’s fast moving hands that give each song an extra something to listeners.


Guitar player and lead vocalist, Greg McCullough has a polished voice that is radio-ready. During, "Clear and smooth", he sings about not looking back and the mark of getting older on the album’s closer “Leaving Station.”


“And everyone is leaving the station/It’s such a meaningful goodbye/and everyone has a destination/and I’ve got mine/that’s why I don’t have time,” sings McCullough.


Aaron Dunham shares the undertaking of vocals and guitar with McCullough. His softer voice compliments McCullough as they sing together. He also holds its own on songs like the softly strummed tune “Token” and the folk-like track “Twenty Dollar Bill.”


Another note-worthy highlight on this release is the excellent saxophone playing by additional musician, Joe Cardillo on “Last Time Through”. The horn adds a jazzy and tender feel to this track about misunderstandings and acceptance.


The carefree beats and vocals create an album that is sure to take back the acoustic rock sound. The quartet is currently playing shows on the east coast. For more information on the band, visit www.cardinaldirection.com

- Sara McDowell/Fresh Tracks Music


Discography

Hotel 154 -- 2003

tracks for streaming:
http://www.cardinaldirection.com/albums.htm

Take It Back -- 2001

Catesby Jones (EP) -- 2000

Photos

Feeling a bit camera shy

Bio

Four close friends featuring three different lead vocalists have turned two years of touring into one comprehensive album.

Now, Boston-based Cardinal Direction celebrates the release of Hotel 154 by vowing to become another major player on the roots rock music scene.

Produced by Jack Gauthier (Dispatch, Pete Francis, Rich Price), the ten-track album captures the evolution of a band from an all-acoustic act into a solidified acoustic rock band while maintaining the traditional Cardinal Direction elements: three and four part harmonies, infectious rhythms, warm acoustic guitars and well-crafted songwriting.

Featuring guest appearances by many of their friends, the album showcases lead vocals by Greg McCullough, Ross Niblock and Aaron Dunham and marks the debut of Michael Mahoney on drums and Niblock on bass guitar. Previously, the band played exclusively with an acoustic setup. To round out the sound, the band added Joe Cardillo on saxophone just weeks after the album release.

Most of the tracks on Hotel 154 were hammered out over two years of touring up and down the East Coast. The band has headlined venues from its hometown down to Washington, DC and appeared with national acts Sister Hazel, Dispatch, Pat McGee Band and Virginia Coalition among others.

Within days of being available online, Hotel 154 soared to #1 on the Hot Sellers List at AwareStore.com. The album remained in the top spot for a week and in the top ten for almost a month. Look for Cardinal Direction as one of the up-and-coming talents on the roots rock music scene...