Descend & Maintain

CD Review: California’s own Descend & Maintain featuring Eric Lansing release their latest CD entitled Chasing a Ghost in 2011.

The CD kicks off into high gear with solid rock vibe, “Justine” a psychedelic guitar groove meshed against emotionally charged vocal delivery and well placed harmonies from lead singer Eric Lansing. Track 2 “I Hope” serves up another solid low end groove, with acoustic-folk rock musical flow coupled with hooky harmonies & impressive vocal accents. Track 3 my personal favorite “I Wish you Well” shifts gears with its upbeat musical intro eventually lending itself into a pulsating rock groove meshed with an infectious alternative-rock melody that flows & ebbs its way through fruition. The CD makes a solid first impression dishing out 3 rock solid songs in a row. As the CD unfolds I can hear many musical influences reminiscent of classic Gin Blossoms, Elvis Costello, Beatles, and brief splashes of The Bare-Naked Ladies. The overall musical vibe has a nice, raw indie feel to it with a late 70’s psychedelic flair. The guitar playing is rock solid across the board as he dishes out impressive surfer-rock guitar licks, rock solid rhythm guitar playing & a few notable solos. Equally as impressive is Lansing’s vocal presence indicating to me a strong and confident vocal ability. His voice goes down smooth and is full of passion and recklessness abandon. The musicianship from all the other members in the band is above the bar and has everything you would expect from a standard 4 piece delivery. Along the way you will also notice many other impressive musical textures from things like well-placed piano, strings, Hammond Organ, lush harmonies, well placed keyboard and even percussive accents. The songs themselves are short & sweet musical experiences, each one possessing unique personality, flair, and signature groove. From heartfelt “Chasing a Ghost” to rocking Brother” to hypnotic “A Thousand Little Secrets” this CD has something for just about everyone. The CD ends with Track 12: “Running Dry the perfect finale statement for a CD of this caliber.
Chasing a Ghost by Descend and Maintain is a rock solid statement. It’s strong suit – the song for song rock solid consistency & amazing vocal presence of lead singer Eric Lansing. If this band has a slam dunk live presentation then that would make a pretty lethal combination. No doubt they are a lot of fun to check out live. So if you like college alternative rock that dishes out a power pop aftertaste then you should jump into this CD head first.
- The Muse's Muse

CD Review: California’s own Descend & Maintain featuring Eric Lansing release their latest CD entitled Chasing a Ghost in 2011.

The CD kicks off into high gear with solid rock vibe, “Justine” a psychedelic guitar groove meshed against emotionally charged vocal delivery and well placed harmonies from lead singer Eric Lansing. Track 2 “I Hope” serves up another solid low end groove, with acoustic-folk rock musical flow coupled with hooky harmonies & impressive vocal accents. Track 3 my personal favorite “I Wish you Well” shifts gears with its upbeat musical intro eventually lending itself into a pulsating rock groove meshed with an infectious alternative-rock melody that flows & ebbs its way through fruition. The CD makes a solid first impression dishing out 3 rock solid songs in a row. As the CD unfolds I can hear many musical influences reminiscent of classic Gin Blossoms, Elvis Costello, Beatles, and brief splashes of The Bare-Naked Ladies. The overall musical vibe has a nice, raw indie feel to it with a late 70’s psychedelic flair. The guitar playing is rock solid across the board as he dishes out impressive surfer-rock guitar licks, rock solid rhythm guitar playing & a few notable solos. Equally as impressive is Lansing’s vocal presence indicating to me a strong and confident vocal ability. His voice goes down smooth and is full of passion and recklessness abandon. The musicianship from all the other members in the band is above the bar and has everything you would expect from a standard 4 piece delivery. Along the way you will also notice many other impressive musical textures from things like well-placed piano, strings, Hammond Organ, lush harmonies, well placed keyboard and even percussive accents. The songs themselves are short & sweet musical experiences, each one possessing unique personality, flair, and signature groove. From heartfelt “Chasing a Ghost” to rocking Brother” to hypnotic “A Thousand Little Secrets” this CD has something for just about everyone. The CD ends with Track 12: “Running Dry the perfect finale statement for a CD of this caliber.
Chasing a Ghost by Descend and Maintain is a rock solid statement. It’s strong suit – the song for song rock solid consistency & amazing vocal presence of lead singer Eric Lansing. If this band has a slam dunk live presentation then that would make a pretty lethal combination. No doubt they are a lot of fun to check out live. So if you like college alternative rock that dishes out a power pop aftertaste then you should jump into this CD head first.
- The Muse's Muse