Lines West

It's odd, but I remember Lines West's last album leaning a bit more toward country, but maybe not. I know I liked it and mentioned it here and there in conversation, but it somehow slipped past me and disappeared around the bend of the river, never to be heard from again. Well, not never. I'm talking about it now, for instance. After hearing Two of a Perfect Pair, I am wondering exactly what happened. I mean, I am deluged with requests for reviews every day and could not possibly give every album the attention it deserves, but I distinctly remember thinking that I needed to keep tabs on these guys. But I didn't. My loss, though I am lucky in that I can always backtrack.

Thank the musical gods for that, because I have been listening to the new album and it is a flashback as well as being a pop album of distinction. I knew it when I heard Track One, Side One (a term I have never been able to lose), “Waist Deep.” Upbeat and light-hearted, it has a chorus complete with harmonies that would have AM radio (if there was any anymore) falling all over themselves. This is the kind of stuff America wish it could have done back then, or any of the myriad of musicians striving to be stars. These days, it would fit well in both Pop and Modern Country, having that slight leaning toward both on most tracks. Holy crap! Did I just say Modern Country? I can't stand that shit! But I would if it sounded anything like this. Instead, think Batteaux. Or Prairie Madness. Never heard them? You missed out, but you can probably find them on YouTube.

Batteaux and Prairie Madness are kin to Lines West, but not really. Outside of the 40 year difference, though, they could be kin. The smooth acoustic backing is somewhat the same and they think alike/sing alike/perform alike. Smooth lead voice, light electric/acoustic backing, harmonies--- and songs. Ah, the songs.

“Waist Deep,” an upbeat light rocker with a simple vocal hook in the chorus, flies high and is the obvious choice to open the album, but the next nine tracks do their jobs as well. “Honey Bee,” even more upbeat than “Waist Deep,” is another upper, followed by the more rock-based “Perfect Pair,” a song familiar enough to have been recorded years ago but is new (sometimes familiarity breeds pleasure).


After that, follow the tunes. “Foolish,” a folk rocker a la the old rock band Orleans, vocal harmonies dominating; “Guardian Angel,” a light choogling rocker; “Gift Box,” “A Deeper Shade,” “Simple Rain,” “Straw Man,” and “Nowhere Feels Like Home.” Good songs all, ready to be enjoyed right out of the box.


If you have to call them anything, call them soft rock. I mean, they have whole K-Tel albums devoted to the genre and some of the prettiest girls I ever dated loved it. Damn, but I miss those days. If only Lines West were around back then instead of Pablo Cruise..... - No Depression

My goodness these vocals, both the lead and gorgeous harmonies are delicious – creamy, silky smooth, sweet tones, truly the strongest points of Lines West. Credited to confounders John Radzin and Brian Larney – both of whom also play guitar, percussion, and piano on this recording. The band is rounded out by Kenny Cash on bass and Scott Logan on drums. Out of the gate, I was impressed by the flawless, incredibly clean recording quality – there is not one critical thing I could say about this production value and full, crystal-clear sound. But all the technical prowess in the world really doesn’t mean anything if the songs aren’t there. Fortunately, Lines West’s songs are right up there in quality – catchy, steady, lovely, indie-vibing pop. So pleasing to the ear and soothing the soul, I could listen to Two of a Perfect Pair repeatedly without tiring of it – that’s a gift, and what any artist would desire. Some songs are stronger than others, like ”Honeybee,” “Foolish,” “A Deeper Shade,” and showcasing their rootsy, Americana/acoustic-y side, “Straw Man” and “Nowhere Feels Like Home.” Just wonderful overall! (Debbie Catalano) - The Noise New England

This seems to be my week – another band with that roots-rock/American sound that I love. Lines West are a fairly new collective, hailing from Bridgeport, Connecticut – and this debut full-length, Stop, Look & Listen made me do just that. 11 tracks of pure Americana-style – say what you want; there is nothing that gets me more than quality structures in songs built around acoustic guitars.

Starting with the chiming “Down To Me”, the melody is sharp; the vocals work perfectly and the song is spot on in total – love the harmonies. I’m guessing the lead vocals are handled by co-writer John Radzin (who also co-founded the band with guitarist/keyboardist Brian Larney) and those vocals tie the entire track together perfectly. “Blistering Heart” is awash with drama and a taut vibe – Beatles-que in its arrangement (!) – and a clever use of minimal chord progressions yet incorporating dynamic build up and great background vocals (these guys know how to write a song); “Easy/Hard” rollicks along with a driving riff and nice use of echo on the vocals – instantly classic. “Bringing Heaven Down” is a neat, tight ditty (reins are held – guitar is cleverly muted, so to speak) with a great duet-ting vocal after the first verse and a classic-style piano solo and explodes towards the end.

I say here that I don’t need to dissect the other songs on this fine album; I’ll keep it short and say these 11 tracks absolutely are winners; another of my 2014 favorites. Lines West have a new fan – this album is out NOW – GO GET IT.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - Pop Dose

One of the wonders of music is its ability to soften the impact of intensely personal subject matter through the use of “happy sounding” technique and key signatures. As Chris Thile once said about bluegrass, “If you want to be happy, listen to the music; if you want to be sad, listen to the lyrics.” “Lover”, the latest single from the Bridgeport, Connecticut alt-country duo Lines West, is an ideal example of the tension between affable music and emotionally probing lyrics. The team of John Radzin and Brian Larney behind the Lines West name bring out this classic feature of country and bluegrass music especially on “Lover”. It’s a tune one will likely hum along to, whether or not one notices Radzin’s melancholy self-exploration.

“‘Lover’ definitely chronicles some key moments for me,” Radzin says. “After losing what I thought was the love of my life, I went through a period where I felt like I was broken—like I could never feel that way again. Then I met someone who brought those feelings back. ‘Lover’ is about that feeling—when I was just starting to fall and wasn’t really sure if she was going to end up breaking my heart or maybe become the best thing that ever happened to me. It’s about embracing the inner conflict, the imbalance, the fear, the not knowing, and then ultimately accepting it all… because that’s pretty much what falling in love is.” - Pop Matters

Lines West – Never judge a band with their obessions with trains. I know there are train people as I tend to be one every once in awhile but prefer the bus. Don’t ask. The answer is boring. However, this album by Lines West has all of the elements we love about Fountains of Wayne, Nada Surf all mixed in this alt-country kind of tinge with perfectly crafted pop songs that should be all over terrestrial radio at the very least. Founded by John Radzin and Brian Larney via Bridgeport, Connecticut. This is the good shit with a nice balance of keyboards, piano and well placed harmonies and smart song writing. Great for Sunday mornings driving over bridges vacation bound somewhere. - Review Stalker

1). Lines West – Stop, Look, and Listen
Toe-tapping, head-bobbing, heart-swaying tunes of unrequited love, loss, and longing that etches a smile on your soul and a chorus in your head. This Bridgeport, CT duo writes songs that could be Simon & Garfunkel fronting Wilco (or The Band). - Cygnus Radio

11 tracks

Lines West’s press talks about their similarity to Wilco and the Drive-by Truckers. I’m sorry. I don’t hear it. Sure, these New Haven, CT-based guys like Americana and they are fond of slipping a banjo into lots of their tunes but there’s very little of the aforementioned bands influence that I can hear. Given that pedigree maybe a comparison to The Avett Brothers or Mumford & Sons would be more appropriate. Even then, the production on this collection of songs is way too polished to really invoke either of those bands. What I hear instead is a semi-acoustic version of Coldplay fronted by Paul McCartney. That’s a fairly strong endorsement, right? Well, why not. This is a great collection of songs. If you like Wings at the Speed of Sound-era McCartney; if you like the less “we’re-the-next-U2,” stripped down moments with Coldplay; if you like radio-friendly, adult-contemporary-indie rock; you will gush over Stop, Look, and Listen.

Though I don’t have a personal inclination towards this flavor of rock, I know enough to be certain that the music of Lines West has legs. These inspired tracks tap into some primal need that most 35 – 45-year olds have to be re-inspired as they move into whatever that next phase of adulthood has to offer them. With the right support these young men will be headlining New England independent radio festivals in no time flat.

(George Dow) - The Noise New England Music

Popdose is pleased to bring you the exclusive premiere of the second video from Connecticut’s LINES WEST and their debut album Stop, Look & Listen, which was reviewed here just a few weeks ago. This great album is fast gaining traction and we’re happy to let you see and hear what we’re talking about.

From singer/guitarist Brian Larney (who sings lead on this track):

“What did I do wrong?

Most of us have probably felt this way at one time or another. You know, when someone important in our life is really upset or angry with us for no apparent reason? With what feels like repeated punches to the stomach, we can feel a bit like Superman. While we try to stand tall and remain unfazed, we quietly take the abuse and never really know why.

“Blistering Heart” emblemizes a feeling. Like a snapshot of a very hot day, far away from home where I spent most of the day not getting spoken to for what I don’t know. By the time the day ended and the silence was broken, it felt like my heart had been badly sunburned. It would heal alright, but not until the redness goes away and the peeling stops.” - Pop Dose