The Union Line

It's pretty obvious why, as The Mamas and Papas once informed us, "The preacher likes the coast". Apart from the sunshine and beautiful bodies, it's probably because California is currently producing the best and most interesting music out there.

Looking like the 2008 version of The Band, The Union Line conjure up images of railroads, panhandling and dusty old souls that know the secret of the world. The music in 'Pearls' is like shimmering icicles driven along on rolling drums. Throw an immensely catchy chant into the brew, and out comes a great song.

Meanwhile, 'Goldmine' opens with a riff similar to a slower version of 'Someday' by The Strokes. From there it moves into entirely different lands as the singer keeps deludely affirming that "there's gold, in this mine". There's a neat blend of old-time tunes and modern rock at work, dropping you into the centre of the Californian Gold rush.

Slower than the two previous songs, 'Dirty Water' has a laid back, insouciant feel that could be born of all that sunshine. It would be right at home on a warm and relaxed summer day with its shimmering guitars and harmonies. 'Strangers' is a piano led highlight that gathers strength and pace as it goes along. Its golden sun is soaking wet, bouncing in puddles with care free "bah bah der der ders" until the ivories cease tinkling and the song ends.

Heading deeper into the album, 'Rich Man's Tune' has that feeling when the party ends at dawn, the sun comes up and we all walk home. It's a gentle, swaying tune complete with noisy chatter in the background that suggests a party that's in wind down mode. A sublime, lazy guitar riff slips through as if from nowhere and again transports the listener elsewhere, guiding us to our bleary eyed beds and warning: "Take not more than you are given/Only a thief rewards himself."

This album could have grown up next door to 'After The Gold Rush'. While any comparison to Neil Young is lofty to say the least, as a first album this is a fine accomplishment by a band with enough talent, originality and enigma to endure and evolve. Right now, California is gleaming.
- Steven Storrie/Daily Music Guide

The sky was ablaze in the afterburn of The Union Line's live session for Luxury Wafers.

Fiery with passion yet seductively earthy, the guys of The Union Line spend no time trying to be - or worrying about - what they are not. There's a heap of humble cool, but no pretty boys here.

Although they're young as a group, The Union Line has settled comfortably into a signature sound, tight and gritty. Perhaps their early confidence stems from friendships that have endured a decade in the OC. The Union Line is already attracting admirers and making instant hits on a nationwide circuit with their sweaty, full-bodied rock'n'roll. The band's real knack seems to be group effort - they have a way of harnessing the specific talents and allure of each member as a collective to churn out well-coordinated compositions rich with harmonies and vibe. They write, play, live and work together and travel in style in a big brown party van (deserving of a stout name like Bertha), assembling to craft and spew their music while evading cops and wooing girls with whiskey and granola.

Tony's the go-getter on drums. Smart, energetic, present and driven, he produced, recorded, mixed and mastered the first cd for The Union Line. He's the guy who lined up their paid-for tour, vehicle included. And, of course, Tony's the one we worked with to schedule The Union Line for Luxury Wafers. Capable and sprawling, he energetically directs the group while maintaining a boyish crudeness. Before settling into the session, Tony bantered hilariously about how he "...likes being slapped around, if you know what I mean, " ...it turns him on. And can he play with his pants off?! Refreshing. His drumming, unfailingly steady, furnishes a grounding force for the group which highlights the strengths of its members.

Johhny Keys is Tony's housemate. In addition to well-placed strokes of the Nord, Johnny brings a certain flair to the band with his dark glasses and repertoire of British-accented humor slathered heartily with curse words.

Adam and Jordan are fraternal twins. Adam, the elder by a full 37 minutes, grooves deep on bass and embellishes select songs with a circus-sized drum. Jordan riffs trebly in a catchy range of tones on guitar and backs Dickie vocally.

Fronting The Union Line, lead singer Dickie exudes plaintiff, worn soul. He writes and wails words scrubby and sad. A natural, he pulled together lyrics for Wishing Well en route via the party van and refined in the studio only moments before this killer, one-take, live recording.

A laid-back bunch, easy to hang with, The Union Line's eating the cake of indie rockstardom, having a blast as they sow their oats, imbibe their fermented grains and stamp their musical imprint on the digital and analog recordbooks. - Landry Malick