The Northeast – The ‘Jericho’ EP.
The Northeast – Mount Kisco, New York, USA.
Initially forming in 2012 but really coming into themselves in 2015, New York state’s The Northeast are the perfect soundtrack for the free and easy in generality as well as on those days and nights of comfort and happiness.
Rooting their sound in contemporary Folk, Indie, Blues and Roots Rock the band take influence from The Rolling Stones, Truman Capote (writer), The Animals and arguably R.E.M, The Northeast attempt ‘A modern spin on an aged rock sound […] a sense of nostalgia through honest storytelling and dynamic songwriting‘.
It’s only right (and our job) to see how that went.
I’d be lying if I said I’d had an easy few weeks and at times the cathartic release provided by my penchant for Punk-Rock has been my saviour, but I’m sitting here listening to the Jericho EP and I’m relaxed, enthralled and quite taken.
The bands “storytelling” approach is welcome and gentle and the semi-acoustic Blues-Rock aesthetic is playful when coupled with the Indie music infusion. ‘Blue Moon’ is a perfect example of this.
When you listen to ‘Beauty In A Bullfight’ it instantly gives you feeling that it will be become the favourite of the EP and its Blues guitar-work almost reminds you (well, me) of Social Distortion with the rhythmic vocals leaning towards the tones of Michael Stipe.
‘Jericho’ is the title track and follows the more dulcet tone of ‘Beauty In A Bullfight’. It’s nothing special or unique but the drumming of this middle point is very satisfying and flows gentle against the dulcet guitars and prominent keys further into Blues territory.
‘Betty’s Boy’ is back on the upbeat and by now you’re so used to the keys that you’d miss them if they were gone. More Country orientated it adds a it of variety but doesn’t quite have the hooks musically and aesthetically of the previous compositions.
The Northeast do well in their sadder and more serious moments, spouting lyrics that hit you hard, sending you feeling and reminiscing in both happiness, sadness and clarity. ‘Old Stones’ is another rhythmic Blues-Rock number and actually challenges track two for the best on this debut EP that I’m now off to go and purchase.
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