Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
since their inception in 2001, the drexlers have risen to prominence on the strength of their ethereal sonorities and folk-rock songs. the 6 piece atlanta based outfit is fronted by husband and wife duo david and annie drexler and has received plenty of good reviews for their debut album, social honey. as usual, acoustic seen at coffee underground brings the upstate the best in acoustic music. - Metro Beat, Greenville, SC
the drexlers' debut album, 'social honey', is a sweetly melodic affair that bridges the gap between the filigreed guitar-pop of britain's the sundays and the cotton-candy lushness of sixpence none the richer. the record is burnished to a silvery glow by geoff melkonian's sympathetic production, but vocalist annie drexler is the undeniable star. her warm voice is like a less mannered version of the cranberries dolores o'riordan.
-Shane Harrison - Atlanta Journal & Constitution
"this exceptional five piece from georgia bring together pristine vocal harmonies, dazzling instrumental textures, and poetic lyrical statements to create a fresh new release entitled social honey. the drexlers play with passion and fervor and their sound is unmistakably unique and crystal clear. perhaps the greatest success of this record is the indelible impression as an art concept. the songs are lush and beautiful, led by the romantic singing of lead vocalist annie drexler with backing vocals and guitars by david drexler, bryan martin on bass, alan lieberman on congas and percussion, and wayne glass on drums. delicately crafted melodies make for charming tunes, as each track colors a variety of emotional moods with rich instrumental tapestry. the band really knows how to embellish the power of the mysterious with drexler's voice, often delightful and cheerful while sometimes haunting and morose. filled with eloquent lyrical statements, the drexlers do not fail to deliver engaging poetry to their music. just ponder on the chorus for "sacred grounds:" "for there's not an angel in a neon garden/sow that seed yourself/by yourself." striking isn't it? or how about the chorus for "glass head:" "and on the shore you're skipping stones/you're lighting fires through my glass head/shame shame shame, no help is on the way/and its loud in here." just another days work in the magical makeup of this group's songwriting personality. to top it off, the packaging by bard wrisley and lisa milam is breathtaking and appealing whether you dig the album or not. the lyrics are presented in equally fine fashion for those who wish to sing along. i also give credit to producer geoff melkonian for a tremendous job on the record's smooth, crystal clear sound."
- Shawn M. Haney - Southeast Performer
annie drexler, the lead vocalist has a soulful and emotional voice, comparable to shirley manson of garbage. her band mates provide an instrumental background that makes her sound so much better... alan lieberman's conga work on the celtic-feeling "glass head" is a pleasant surprise and a sound far-removed from most local acts. speaking of "glass head," there are few other performances on social honey that mesh the band so well, pitting every musician to an integral but oh-so unique task. each member's performance could stand-alone if they wished it to, but when it comes together, the song ranks as one of the best on the album...
the band's biggest seller is the variety of performers stepping up. annie drexler's voice is worth a purchase alone and the drum and conga combinations rarely come as well mixed as they do on social honey. for those interested, the drexlers album might be a little tougher to come by then the typical big-time mainstream band. to pick up a copy, check out www.thedrexlers.net.
- robert cooper - Georgia State University Urbanite
don't expect a staid acoustic act; this band quickly shifts genres and tempos, performing a variety of upbeat styles while maintaining a restrained yet soulful signature vocal sound.
- Lee Smith - Creative Loafing, Atlanta, GA
talk about a talented couple, check out annie and david drexler and their band add a modern twist to folk music, which they define as "urban folk"... and annie's voice - sweet and sultry with a texan draaawl, will leave you...breathless.
- Tia Egidi - Cover Magazine
emo, or emotional pop rock, takes the lead when the drexlers are on stage.
- Tali Toland, article on "Atlanta's Rising Stars" - Jezebel Magazine
social honey is the debut release of georgia outfit, the drexlers, a group you might mistake for sixpence none the richer or the corrs for that matter, tending a rich, organic sound with the lovely, romantic lead vocals of singer, annie drexler. the album delivers rewarding moments and promises of things to come.
Among the few songs here written with an eye for the radio, “surround” and “birds eye view” could both feasibly be played on top 40 if given the proper push, with the former destined for wb teen drama stardom, if only given the chance. however, it’s “glass head,” that is the album’s most-realized song, and best indication of what the band can do right now. the worldly percussion beats and playful bass lines give the song a bouncy and carefree feel, with each part complimenting the other. there’s also some clever production work within the song (note the flute-like guitar floating over the verses and drexler’s echoey call of “even…” preceding the song’s fourth line…very cool). other highlights include the mazzy star-like guitar feedback of “alien corn” and the melancholic flute lines of “mary v,” both adding the necessary tone shifts and emotional variety the album needs. “sacred grounds” is also a strong offering, with the band unleashing a dido-esque chorus that is one the most endearing moments on the album.
- Gary Knight - Left Off The Dial
the drexlers are a rising atlanta pop/rock group anchored by the impressive lead vocals of annie drexler, whose voice echoes the beautiful earthy lilt of natalie merchant. accented by colorful conga and percussion effects from alan lieberman and propelled by expertly delivered beats from former viva la diva drummer wayne glass, this is an ensemble to watch.
-Nicoll - Creative Loafing
the drexlers first album, social honey, is as sweet and smooth as the name implies. the band offers up crystal clear harmonies layered atop instrumental prowess. lyrically and sonically, the songs are intelligent and fresh, garnering comparisons to sixpence none the richer and the corrs. - Acoustic Seen News, SC
Discography
debut LP, "social honey" released 2003
tracks 1, 2, 4 & 10 getting radio airplay
2nd album, "how to land" released 2006
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
annie drexler and david drexler began writing music together and performing their own brand of folk rock songs in atlanta’s coffee shops and acoustic venues during the fall of 2001. today, the drexlers is a collection of six diverse and talented friends who have come together to pursue this unique americana musical experience. kevin leahy's drumming needs no introduction! kevin jackson layers additional guitar rhythms and melodies over the songs, as well as rich harmonious background vocals. tim anderson adds the haunting sophistication of his cello, and greg partridge locks it all together with his smooth, in the pocket bass riffs.
audience and critic responses continue to be overwhelmingly positive to the bands' broad range of musical output and lyrical storytelling. the drexlers perform regularly at many of the southeast’s finest venues.
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