Craig Bancoff

Rank: 5 stars out of 5

A bird’s-eye view with Google Earth shows us that Marion Pennsylvania is a rural town, just far enough from urban Philadelphia. In Marion lives Craig Bancoff, a very talented young man, who makes old-fashioned music. Old-fashioned, because his debut, “EDEN” ( Sweetie Records), is a heart-warming singer-songwriters record brimful with melancholy and desire. Simply you can imagine the melancholy Bancoff – at least in comparison to his glowing, intimate sound of voice – in rural Pennsylvania, in the middele of once very hard working labourers in metal industry, who now are unemployed above all. Bancoff radiates the same labour’s ethos on his “EDEN”, of a normal man, like the young Springsteen. Bass and drums are always the mid-tempo foundation of Bancoff’s amazing songs, which have been decorated variously by pedal steel, mandoline, fiddle, banjo and Hammond. It’s all very atmospheric and symbolic which Bancoff and his band set down; a perfect scenery besides for the superb songs of which I recommend especially Beautiful Lies, The Highway, Be Your Ghost and title song EDEN, without being deficiency to the other wonderful timeless songs. Based on only EDEN, Bancoff may be seen as being very talented, who is capable to break through in the near future. For the time being we have EDEN to enjoy by taking deep, deep draughts. “EDEN” is available at CD Baby.
- AltCountry.nl Wiebren Rijkeboer

The CD from singer song writer Craig Bancoff came out in a beautiful class of art foldable CD cover, and the same artistic endeavor is found in the rich musical abundance on this silver disk. The songs on the disk suck you in as if you are standing in quicksand. The songs have a very delicate instrumental composition and artistry. Responsible for this are, Tom Hampton (mandolin, pedalsteel, banjo), Matty Muir (drums), Adam Winokur (bass guitar), Mike Frank (piano, hammondorgel) and Shelley Weiss (violin). The production is not excessive, but perfectly carried in equilibrium.
Each number has a story, and is lovely and warm. They seem to interface with the Jayhawks and Crowded House. The musicians on the album “Eden” present refined songs which did not bore me for one instance. Don’t expect hard rock, but rather melodies with reluctant guitars, and a fine voice from a singer with a little “cry’ in his voice. The Americana genre already exists for years, but it still keeps tasting for more. The CD “Eden” from Craig Bancoff is for me a paradise on earth, which won’t let it self be displaced very quickly from my cd-player.

Johan Schoenmakers - Alt Country Forum

Pennsylvania's Craig Bancoff-Eden
Here are two lovely, incredible songs fellow Pennsylvanian Craig Bancoff'. Orchard Road and Ferris Wheel are from his debut release, Eden, which just hit the stores in January. His signature sound is a fine mix of singer-songwriter, alt-country, and Americana. These two songs in particular, are short on lyrics, but their lush arrangements, and strong drawn-out vocals, gives us imagery far larger. - Call It Folk

"Crutch" - Craig Bancoff
From the album Eden

There are times in my life when I've felt so vulnerable, so incredibly fragile that it seemed the smallest movement, the slightest breeze would leave me shattered. Craig Bancoff writes music like that. "Crutch" is as fragile as a Faberge egg, and just as beautiful. It begins with this soft, precious plucking of guitar strings that sounds like a whisper. Craig enters with his gentle father voice that sounds something of a cross between Tom Petty and Ryan Adams. An organ swirls quietly in the back like a nursery rhyme. When things finally crank up a bit its still closer to story time in the library than a night at Good Time Charlies.

It is a lovely, beautiful song that while fragile glows with craftsmanship.

The new album, Eden, is out now. You can hear more on his Myspace page, or his official website. - Mat Brewster, BlogCritics.com

When I first get an album, like anyone, I don’t know what to expect. This is especially true when dealing with an artist – like Craig Bancoff – who hasn’t yet made it to the top of the music hierarchy. However, having listened to his newest release Eden many times, I could have gotten a pretty good idea of what I was in for just from the album cover and the title. Both are indicative of the record’s overall atmosphere.

The album cover shows the silhouette of power lines lining the road Craig is guiding us down, as well as a bright blue sky and trees creating a valley that we must travel through. At the same time, these images are distorted. The colors are burnt and overexposed. In the top right corner, it simply says “Craig Bancoff – Eden” in faintly faded white. Eden is an album that has its roots in the sentiment of home but its sights on the all too often unclear world outside.

As a title, Eden accomplishes a similar effect. There is always a conflict between the environment that we inhabit and the dangers that creep in. The biblical tie is inescapable and, at the same time, poignant. Bancoff uses the Garden of Eden theme quite nicely throughout the record.

I was not surprised to see that Bancoff’s music is likened to Ryan Adams and The Jayhawks. As a fan of both Adams and The Jayhawks, I think it is a fair comparison. The instrumentation on Eden is done the way I like to hear on alt/country records. It is concise. The country basics are used, but they are used to good effect. No part is played that doesn’t need to be. The simple harmonies on “Crutch” are just right, the organ on “I Will Love You” gets the job done but doesn’t impose, and “Orchard Road,” steers clear of overpowering what has been played before it.

Many times, artists try and take alt/country to a place it doesn’t necessarily need to go (Ryan Adams’ song “Halloweenhead” is a perfect example, but that’s a different article.) When you’re a musician, it can be easy to forget to write a good song amidst the overwhelming amount of options that are available. Bancoff didn’t forget to just write good songs. In fact, it remains his main focus, and that is one of Eden’s triumphs.

By far, my favorite aspect of Eden is Bancoff’s lyrical subtlety. In the track “Eden,” he sings about the Garden of Eden, but more specifically, the snakes that he talks to. “Crutch” repeats “Everything’s a crutch/Yeah, I figured it out.” In the lyrics, there is a sense of good vs. bad and the idea that differentiating between the two is not always that easy. Though Bancoff sings of opposition in many ways, the idea is delivered in a beautifully melodic, understated way.

I’m very happy to have been given the chance to listen to Eden, and I look forward to future releases from Bancoff. - Folksway Magazine

Craig Bancoff - “Eden”: If you’re in the market for a soundtrack to your lazy day weekend morning while the wind blows through the trees, or need a listen on an overcast day, Craig Bancoff had covered all bases with “Eden,” a contemporary mix of folky Americana and alt-country music. In other words, if you need a companion while sitting on your porch relaxing, look no further.

“Eden” is a thoroughly blue collar effort rife with endearing melodies and engulfing affairs, a true roots record with Bancoff and his passionate and relatable vocals at the helm. Bancoff delivers his message with not only his powerful lyrics and traditional take on storytelling, but also his use of pedal steel and clean acoustic guitars, as well as a mandolin, presented as they should be – effect free and somewhat vulnerable, delivered with ease without being muddied. Bancoff’s range lies somewhere in-between James Taylor and early Tom Petty, and fans of Bruce Springsteen’s acoustic endeavors should find this record enjoyable as well. “Eden” doesn’t simply start off hot then slow and drag its way to the finish; it’s actually gets stronger in the latter stages. The title track is one of the better songs off the disc, and is one of the best written as well.

If you’re in the mood to rest you weary bones, pop in this record, press play and let Craig Bancoff be your soundtrack. - StarPulse

Craig Bancoff is making contemporary alt-country music for grown ups. If you are looking for that perfect soundtrack for your early morning Sundays, or something to contemplate during an overcast day, Bancoff's "Eden" is the CD to play.

Fearlessly exploring the "outskirts of Eden" with his wise and insightful lyrics, Bancoff is no stranger to the grit and grime of every man's work day. He has roots in the coal mines of western Pennsylvania, and the melancholy in his music captures that imagery. "Eden" is similar to the darker Springsteen acoustic classics, like "Nebraska" or "Ghost of Tom Joad". Still, at times, you can see a glimmer of light and inhale a breath of fresh air as you emerge from the depths of this record. The beautiful cover art is truly reflective of the music inside.

Bancoff couches his songs in pedal steel, mandolin, and acoustic guitars, straddling the line between soft rock and country. The instruments are expertly recorded, capturing their innate qualities rather than burying them in effects and noise. Bancoff's gentle yet firm vocals are ideal for this genre, somewhere between Jackson Browne and James Taylor. Highlights include the catchy opener "Crutch", the weepy "Beautiful Lies", and touching ballad, "Waiting".

If you like Tom Petty ("Wildflowers" era), Jayhawks, or Works Progress Administration, there is plenty on "Eden" that will feel like paradise to you.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 5, 7, 10

http://billsmusicforum.blogspot.com/2010/01/review-craig-bancoff-eden.html#links - Bill's Music Forum

Eden is a beautifully arranged album that fans of lush imagery and down home tonality will simply love. There is a very real sense of authenticity as told through acoustic guitars, violins, and plaintive lyrics sung with the patience of a veteran songwriter. These are ancient stories within a modern setting full of homesick nostalgia and rife with America in era not quite over. The instrumentation is outstanding without ever becoming self indulgent. The pedal steel is truly haunting and always supports the complex if not always conspicuous melody. The depth of the songs seem to reveal themselves over several listens with the arrangements gently there to reinforce it's veracity. I admit I'm torn when praising Eden. Not recognizing this album as a wondrous tribute to our deepest questions, sung with an equal part of sadness and equanimity, belies my appreciation of art at a fundamental level. However, to be swept away by it's charm and insight is to admit to sensitivity, pathos and reverence. The honesty of Eden is as distressing as it is glorious yet I'm left craving more.
- John White