The Hannahband

Knoxville, TN-based Hannahband makes me smile. The band is composed of siblings Hannah, Elijah, and Noah Seiple but don’t get the idea this is just another family band. These kids are tight with their instruments, impressive on their vocals, and pretty darned good songwriters to boot. Their 2004 debut, simply titled, “Hannah,” only hints as the fire and passion the band has poured into their current 5-song EP.

The project opens with the inauspiciously titled track, “La la la.” Get past the title and you’ll be greeted with an infectious, poppy little tune that is just perfect for an early summer laze-about. “You make me cry and you make me laugh/ and you make me sing/ you make me want to do my best forever/ La la la la, la la la la.” Okay, not the most innovative lyrics in the world, but trust me, they work.

Just when you think this is going to be a teenie-bopper, sugar pop album, The Hannahband cranks it up on “Hold On.” Frontwoman Hannah maintains a deceptive smoothness to her vocals even when breaking into an Anne Wilson wail, and the double guitar speed metal riffs give rise to Stryper comparisons.

Just when you think this is going to be a 80’s hair metal tribute album, they mellow out on the piano ballad, “I’m Falling Again.” And this might be the best track on the EP, allowing Hannah to dig deep into her emotional register and connect with her audience on a soul level.

Bottom line: Hannahband is one to watch. The EP whets the appetite for the full-blown album.

Last Updated ( Thursday, 17 April 2008 )
- Buddy Hollywood by Mike Parker

Hannahband receives Honorable
Mention for their song and video
"Say You Love Me" - Oak Ridge Film Festival

Hannah Seiple places as a finalist
out of 15,000 entries for her song
"Because You Broke My Heart"
- International Songwriting Competition

The Hannaband performs at Tuesday night's "Springbrook Splender" event, the city of Alcoa's tree lighting that took place at Springbrook Park. - The Daily Times Weekend