Vinyl Sunday
Nashville, TN | Established. Jan 01, 2014 | INDIE
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Vinyl Sunday
Vinyl Sunday
Lamon Records; 2015
3.9 out of 5
By Andrew Westberry
Suited well for a leisurely Sunday afternoon, Vinyl Sunday’s self-titled EP Vinyl Sunday embodies an authentic blend of musical styles and genres while using a plethora of instruments and voices. Hints of jazz, blues, folk and gospel permeate the record collectively evincing flavors from geographical regions such as New Orleans, Detroit and little-known towns in the backcountry of Alabama, making the album accessible to a wide audience of listeners.
The opening track on the EP “Honey or High Water” incorporates classic steel guitar riffing into a chorus of guitars, piano and percussion, which gives the song a slight twang, though not enough to become distasteful. The lead vocals, as well as the background vocals, are sweet and relaxed, giving the tune a pleasant flow without descending into mellow monotony.
The next track “Blue Mountain”, a wistful ballad, is much more melodic towards the beginning of the song before spiraling into a jazzy, bar-swing instrumental section featuring trumpet, cello and light additions from strumming guitars and piano. The track alternates between the two modes, finishing out softly and leading into the dark, reflective intro of “Leave A Whisper.” Although the piano ballad eventually employs a full band, the plaintive, longing vocals end up sustaining much of the song’s energy.
With ukulele, tribal percussion and playful piano riffs, “Happily Ever After” feels like a short, amusing jaunt to a tropical island. The vocals, while present, are not forceful or very loud, giving the song an extremely relaxing, tranquil feel. The unique combination of zeal and peace exuded in this song make it one of the EP’s best moments.
The final two songs make use of new (for the EP) instruments, namely a saxophone in “Procession” and a flute in “Whatever, Wherever.” Other than that, the last two tracks are what any listener would expect given the first four tracks of the EP, and while they are similarly entertaining as the earlier songs on the EP, the similarity in sound causes them to feel rather repetitious. This is not to say that the value of the album as a whole is impacted significantly; however, branching out from one particular sound usually improves a band’s appeal, and the same is true for Vinyl Sunday. - Even Ground
Discography
Vinyl Sunday- Vinyl Sunday EP released 2015 on Lamon Records
Vinyl Sunday- A Broken Record EP released 2016
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Bio
Four musicians from three states took a pilgrimage to Tennessee. Magic was made, and the Rock Gods approved! Vinyl Sunday, a Nashville jam band, blends southern rock with roots/blues. They have an authentic and unique sound, inspired by: The Band, The Allman Brothers Band, The Tedeschi Trucks Band, with a touch of ZZ Ward and Alabama Shakes. You can hear the blending of all these sounds in their new EP A Broken Record. For their second EP, the band truly rooted themselves into the rock scene.
Over the course of a year, Vinyl Sunday evolved into four tight musicians and one hell of a team! The band’s roots came from its founding members, husband and wife team, Andy and Jen Howell. From Louisville, KY, Andy is enthusiastic with a magnetic personality. The whimsically talented keyboardist and vocalist began Vinyl Sunday in his college days. Jen brings the attitude from Buffalo, NY, and has grown into quite a frontwoman, oozing with confidence. She is the bands lead vocalist and provides killer flute licks that’ll take you back to the days of Jethro Tull!
Soon, the rest of the team was assembled. Enter virtuoso guitarist Sam “Woods” Woods, who was found on Craigslist! Woods provides bluesy, rocking riffs and harmonies that will quench your thirst and have you begging for more. Then the final puzzle piece was laid when percussionist Kent McCarthy joined the band. Kent has known Andy and Jen since their college days at Murray State University. His laid back personality reflects in his smooth rhythms and immaculate inner beats. He hails from Owensboro, KY.
Vinyl Sunday signed to Lamon Records Nashville in 2014, and released their first, self-titled, EP in June of 2015. The six-track project was recorded at Quad Studios Nashville, and featured gospel/soul singer, Dawn Freeman. The single of the EP, “Procession,” reached 35 on the AMC Alternative Adult Contemporary top 40 chart. Once the quintet was formed, they went on the road to promote the release of their first EP. After first testing the waters in Louisville, KY, they then took a small tour out to North Carolina, where they headlined their first show at The Double Door Inn in Charlotte.
Once they returned, they made venues such as The End, Mercy Lounge and The High Watt, home. Then, in March, they traveled down to Austin, TX to perform at Red Gorilla Festival. After amazing success, they started recording their next EP. With the help from donations on GoFundMe.com, A Broken Record was born. Vinyl Sunday tracked at Tommy’s Tracks, in Nashville, TN, where they kicked it old school, recording on RADAR 24. The dynamic of the group along with tracking live, brings spirit, vibes, and emotion to their four-track masterpiece.
Vinyl Sunday has exploded since their creation in 2014, and is only gaining momentum. Each member has found an outlet for creativity, and a lifelong friend, which is apparent when you watch them on stage. With new songs in the works, they look forward to recording their first full-length album!
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