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This Is Astoria Boulevard is the best folk-rock album since the glory days of the genre. Their music captures the hopefulness and sense of infinite possibility that characterizes the best work of The Byrds and The Lovin Spoonful. Philip Drennen’s voice has a vibrant purity that is as capable of as much emotional nuance as any high tenor in rock.
“One of These Days,” with its irresistible hook and supertight harmonies, is the spiritual affirmation of a young soul who promises himself to remain undefeated in the pusuit of his and his loved one’s dreams. It is a radio-ready mini-masterpiece.
“It Won’t Be Long” deftly uses the sort of accessible yet powerful symbolic imagery that radiates in the listener’s heart. Some tasty Dylanesque harmonica spices this gem of toughened up sentimentality, affirming that it really is possible to live up to one’s promise. The perfectly blended 7th chords lend the track exactly the right propulsive frisson, keeping the tune charged with a synthesis of yearning and defiance that is Astoria Boulevard’s defining emotional quality.
“Time” kicks into an irresistible groove after a philosophically skeptical introduction. Another superb hook, along with the uncannily perfect harmonies (two of AB’s members sing barbershop), and the insouciant harmonica, frame Max Demers’ lead vocal. Max is a singer’s singer, who’s marvelously unforced, unaffected voice is always convincing. Whether wryly laconic, or urgently questing, his tone rings with a fervent immediacy that is always compelling. This tune, written by Max, marks him as a developing songwriter to watch in addition to being an exceptionally gifted vocalist.
“Noah’s Song,” already having attained the status of an underground cult favorite in performance, features Dan Scott’s madcap ukulele,. Dan, who along with Philip formed the group, has the sort of vocal versatility that would allow him to be perfectly at ease, and equally mesmerizing on a Broadway stage, or on a back porch deep in the country.
The evocative rhetoric of Dan’s imagery is a perfect match for his soaring, keening voice, steeped as it so obviously is in the deepest roots of the most enduring American music. “Noah’s Song” is truly powerful stuff.
Astoria Boulevard is a group of remarkably polished, yet enthusiastic musicians who know how to make people happy. They deserve to make it.
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