David Shultz
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David Shultz

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"Wood, Wires & Whiskey"

Dave Shultz and The Skyline
Sinner’s Gold
By Ariana Rock

Dripping thickly with catchy acoustic guitars, unabashed hometown storytelling and a voice that wavers between twang-y Dylan-esque and a more intelligible and possibly sober Isaac Brock (of Modest Mouse fame), this is a twist and contortion of the typical jangle-y roots music you would hear pouring out of a small town country bar, with shots of whiskey being thrown down readied throats. The vocals aren’t what you would call “amazing� but like some of the great singers of our time, David Shultz knows how to work with what he’s got — a husky, gentle voice that effortlessly carries the songs — without trying to conform to what is already out there musically.(Triple Stamp) - Exclaim!


"Sparkplugg Review"

David Shultz has come a long way since he first appeared, nervously strumming his guitar and test-driving his vocal cords at various Richmond venues. In the short space of time since the 2005 release of his self-titled album, a measure of ease and self confidence has rounded out his identity to distinguish him from the jumble of singer-songwriters that dot the landscape. With additional substance from the Skyline and their enhancing (not overpowering) harmonies, Shultz leaves the realm of flimsy folkists and becomes more of a full-force rock band. All of this is built, as it should be, on a foundation of the most honest of lyrics and the most inviting of songs. These are the kind of songs that can spawn a singalong in a beer-spilling, soft-lighting, small-town kind of a way, not in a faux-spontaneous end-of-the-pop-rock-video dance party kind of a way. With their mix of sounding comfortably worn and vaguely familiar, the songs allow you to skip over the icebreaker stage of listening to something new. You can slip right into that cozy feeling of turning the volume up on a well-loved song. But don’t get too comfortable: a surprise attack of distorted guitars gets you on “Wooden Floors.� And despite a deep-seated hatred for steel guitars, “Already There� has won me over to the dark side and become my favorite song.

Move over, Avail: I’m sensing a new Richmond classic — amended for a wimpier, more self-aware generation. This is your new soundtrack for settling into a lawn chair to watch the sun set, for brushing your hair out of your eyes as you scan across the James, for letting your arm droop out of the car window on a dusty road trip. This is good songwriting stripped down to its bare essentials. - Sparkplugg.com


"Lost At Sea Review of Sinner's Gold"

8.3/10

When listening to Sinner's Gold, David Shultz's second album, one realises from the very beginning that he is a gifted songwriter. His lyrics, devoid of any impenetrable or abstract ambiguousness, are frequently immediate and straightforward, yet manage to retain a sense of tender, innocent poetry. His melodies are simple and balanced, yet instantly catchy and with laudable pop nuances (unlike his sparse debut, released in 2005, Sinner's Gold contains a fine band backing up Shultz's songs). There is a pervading sense of familiarity and nostalgia in the album that makes it seem as though Shultz is having an intimate conversation with the listener. No, his music is not innovative, nor is it daring in the strictest sense of the word. But these are not issues to take into account when listening to Sinner's Gold, as its simplicity and homey feel are what turn it into such a warm and endearing listen.

The folk genre is certainly no stranger in today's indie world. Be it folk-pop (in the vein of, say, Sufjan Stevens) or freak-folk, a style that's somewhat inexplicably risen from nowhere (think Devendra Banhart, Akron/Family, Islaja, et cetera), folk and all of its varied-incarnations are ever-present, in one form or another, in the independent community. It is no surprise, then, that such a vast array of artists are choosing said genre as their vehicle for expressing emotions in the art of music. And this is where David Shultz - a songwriter from Richmond, VA - and his band come in.

I hate classifications of these sort, though; according to my iTunes this is country music, but I personally would be reluctant to give it that label, for it is much more than that. Country music is, for the most part, a weary and overwrought genre by today's standards, and Shultz' earnest and amiable vocals and his penchant for writing pop hooks really do distance it from said classification. Regardless of whatever influences he may have, and sounding at times like Bob Dylan, Josh Rouse or pre-Summerteeth Wilco, it is undeniable that Shultz does a good job at combining different styles into a varied and cohesive work. Be it folk, country, or "other," Sinner's Gold is a highly recommended work, the stride of an artist with a distinctive ear for pop showmanship and commendable words who aims undeniably high.

On the leaflet that accompanied the album, there's a spot-on definition of the album: "This is an album of songs stemming from a vast array of emotional and philosophical outlets and dead ends. There are songs with such a clear sense of pop craftsmanship that they could fine their way to popular radio. Conversely, there are songs so intimate that you may want to claim them for yourself..." Sinner's Gold, then, is an album of contrasts, but it all works wonderfully, forming a coherent whole.

The first three songs are rather representative of the album as a whole, which consists of eleven tracks. Beginning with "Free," a rousing and immediately appealing number in which Shultz starts with the lines "If you asked me to change my shape/ The best that I could do is shave my face and put on weight," the record is rather consistent throughout. "Can't Can't" sounds like it could be a definite radio-hit, whilst "Natural" is a mellow and benevolent affair, with Shultz stating that "We are the cameras documenting the earth." "Wooden Floors," however, manages to stick out like a sore thumb because of its poor and forgettable melody - yes, in spite of its good lyrics. "Albino Crow" ends with a bittersweet harmonica solo, reminiscent of '60s Dylan, whereas "Already There" is a great love story where Shultz tells the female protagonist that she can "swim where the sinners spend sinner's gold." Saving the best for last, Shultz finishes the album with the evocative "Apples," whose main line dictates "If you got apples to give/ Well that's what growing them is for." On "Doctor Mother Mirror," Shultz sings "I'm not good at listening but I try"; it is mighty clear that he tries, but I would heartily disagree with the first part, given that his ability for writing songs is quite praiseworthy.

Were Sinner's Gold less passionate (its passion due, of course, to Shultz himself), things would be different, as its internal passion and the fact that Shultz believes in his music are partly what make this such an attractive work. This is a record that should be heard; it is honest and, even if it's not anything new or the most original thing in ages, it is made with passion and care - two elements sadly lacking in much of today's music - by a committed and thoughtful artist deserving of much more recognition. Here's to hoping that Shultz and his band not only find a way to communicate with a wider audience, but keep on making music this inspired.

Reviewed by Pabs Hernandez
A staff writer for LAS, Pablo Hernandez keeps up pretty well with the ever-changing 'indie scene' from his home in Madrid, Spain.

See other reviews by Pabs Hernandez - www.lostatsea.net


Discography

David Shultz (2005) Triple Stamp Records

Sinner's Gold (2007) Triple Stamp Records

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Bio

David Shultz is a 25 year old singer/songwriter from Richmond, VA. He has been compared to artists such as Josh Rouse, Bob Dylan, Ryan Adams and Issac Brock from Modest Mouse.

David has released two full-length CDs on Triple Stamp Records, his debut self-titled effort and the follow-up "Sinner's Gold," which he penned with his backing band, The Skyline.

A feature length documentary about David Shultz and his band, entitled Loosen My Tie, is scheduled for release in 2008. A seven minute extended trailer of the film is already attracting attention, and was aired on the Documentary Channel upon winning Second Prize in the Independent Documentary Contest.

Shultz has toured extensively on the East Coast with and without his band, The Skyline. Although songwriting comes first, David and his band are in love with playing live and bring enthusiasm and intensity to every show. He has played live shows with many amazing acts, including:
Manchester Orchestra, Will Hoge, Denison Witmer, Hoots and Hellmouth, Dr. Dog, Colour Revolt, The Feverfew, Tim Barry of Avail, Bill Mallonee, and The Old Ceremony.

For more information visit his myspace page at www.myspace.com/davidshultz

Press info for Sinner's Gold:
www.triplestamp.com/sinnersgold.html