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Organ Grinder Press - interviews and reviews
Pontiak: Indie Intune website review of 'Valley of Cats'.
Jun 7, 2007 |
Pontiak is a band that offers something to the music world that has been lacking as of late. This trio of brothers (Lain, Van, and Jennings) uses strong guitar riffs and gritty vocals to create a pulsating rock sound. While their first EP "White Buffalo" released in 2004 got some strong acclaim, their most recent album; "Valley of Cats" has been creating an even larger buzz. The album was #1 for Independent Clauses in 2006 and has gotten international notability throughout Europe, Asia, and South America. Instantly the band hits you with rhythmic tempos and well positioned vocal chords that are musically in tact. My itunes library was playing a few Pontiak songs and continued on to The Raconteurs album, which similarly blended together. They have an impressive sound that uses their musical talents and the old classic rock basis that has been lost in this rock age. It's bluesy, it's tough, and it's the southern roots blooming in the studio. The ability to make the guitar speak larger than words and use the smooth drums to energize a song is something special. I'm just upset I didn't get a listen to them until now.
Let's review some songs off of "Valley of Cats". An album recorded in the mountains of Virginia, you'll be sure to get that outward-bound feel.
"Crows on the Move" is the first track off the album and gets it moving on the right foot or left foot, however you start walking. It gives a groovy type tempo with some heavy lyrics that present a dark yet happy feel to the song. Some classic guitar sounds blended with energetic drums fill your ears with a badass sound.
Some songs on the album have a Pink Floyd feel to them in which they make you think differently because the music takes you there. A song like "Ask for Attention" or "Difficult Music" really makes this idea come to life with a fresh sound and bouncing rhythms. And songs like "They are Supreme" use a banjo to offer something different to the mix.
"Doors to Haiti" had me from the start with a revival song of a woman who done wrong. Intense intro and strong vocal grunginess gives the song some emotion and a feeling of grit. The background chants put the harmony of the song together. I was left wanting more with this middle of the album song that's edgy and sound. A controlled guitar and patient drums are what make this song move.
"Valley of Cats" is an impressive album by the Virginia rockers Pontiak. Their southern rock/bluesy sound makes it work and shows hope that musicians do exist. Pontiak will start a Southern tour this May with dates from Baltimore to Houston to follow up with a September national tour. A new album releasing this summer, Pontiak look to keep their music growing and their sound funkdafied and fresh. Check out their website and listen to the album because the music lives in the mountains. If that's what it takes to hear something good I'll make the climb. Pontiak has just been heard, now it's your turn to take a listen. |
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