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Listen!Nashville, CD Review—June, 2007
The Panderers, Songs That Bang (2007, indie/no label)
The Panderers' Debut Record Delivers on Its Promise Comprised of 11 songs (with one hidden track) The Panderers' Songs That Bang is a collection of tight acoustic roots-rock songs with an alternative edge reminiscent of Cake. To be sure, singer/songwriter Scott Wynn channels the assertive vocal style of John McCrea of Cake while drawing from Steve Miller's brand of lyrical whimsy—the combination is a refreshing blend of old and new woven together in a superb alternative organic roots record. Assuming that "bang" is a feeling akin to "wow… sweet, play that again," then these songs, indeed, bang. Vocalist Scott Wynn has a unique tone that stamps each song with a recognizable Panderers imprint, yet each song has its own distinct character and charm. Producers Dave Wilder and Pete McNeal wisely pushed Wynn's appealing vocals to the front of the mix and carefully added jazzy in-the-pocket drums/percussion, acoustic roots guitar, and the occasional ambient keyboard riff à la The Doors' "Riders on the Storm" to create one of the best indie releases for 2007. The Panderers' roots-rock sound is easily comparable to the early Walter Salas Humara (The Silos) and Songs That Bang should be on everyone's best of 2007 list. The Panderers are preparing for a national tour in support of "Songs That Bang," and with a strong cast of players that includes Andrew Livingston, Pete McNeal, and Dave Wilder, their live show promises to bang even harder. Catch 'em while you can, as this tour may be the last time you see these guys in a small club. —Vincent Wynne |
