By Evan Verploegh
Saint Paul’s own Small Town Anthem have provided us with a great treat in their second release. The blues-rock quartet has followed up their well received debut with the concise, yet powerful Long Time Coming EP. The record succeeds in sticking to their raw, gritty sound but still has a few frills that keeps the album sounding fresh and exciting. Small Town Anthem proves why the band has achieved allocation outside of just the Twin Cities area.
Long Time Coming kicks off with a bouncy little bassline from Sean Heier before settling into a laid back groove. “Annabelle” give the chance for the guys to put their impressive vocal harmonizing skills on display. The song sticks with the easy-going nature and provides a tranquil introduction to the EP.
“After All” gives us the first hint of that spirited driving blues sound that we’ve come to love in Small Town Anthem. Guitarist Shannon Heier gets us moving with a compelling guitar line that parallels the encouraging vocals assuring that “we’re gonna make it”. Heier proceeds to tear through a tenacious guitar solo that peaks with one last trip to the chorus.
Keyboardist/multi-instrumentalist Kris Ransom gets his time in the limelight during the piano-driven third track, “I know”. Before long we are once again gifted with another infectious riff from Heier. In a track that is absolutely littered with unique and impassioned lines, the only thing to complain is that “I know” doesn’t run past it’s 2:42 timestamp.
“Monday Morning” is a bright and shimmering track that takes a fairly optimistic look at often the most dreaded part of the week. We end up with a chorus that you’ll surely be singing long after the end of the track. “Monday Morning” is a kind of song that can be enjoyed by just about anybody, no matter the musical inclinations.
Long Time Coming culminates in a title track has no apologies for being what it is. A sorrowful, resolute blue song. We get our most fervent vocal performance from Heier, along with another bone-chilling guitar solo. “Long Time Coming” leaves a heartfelt, impassioned taste in your mouth and perfectly encapsulates the EP.
Small Town Anthem once again proves they are a forced to be reckoned with. Their active touring schedule guarantees that you’ll be able to check out what they have to offer in a live setting. When you’ve got the combination of a timeless sound and talented musicianship, the sky’s the limit for Small Town Anthem.
https://smalltownanthem.bandcamp.com
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