Genre: Rock-Pop
Release Date: August 29, 2024
Website
I first heard music from Peppos and Jones in
2019. Louis Jones was also in that band. The title was 50/80, 50 Years in 80 Minutes. Additionally, I had a blast
interviewing these old high school friends.
The album Life Notes was released a few weeks ago. It opens with a rousing “Don't Waste The Dawn.” Because it was several years back, I did not recall the sound as much as I would have liked, but I know the lead vocals are different. And I don’t mean that in a negative way. It is a great way to kick off the recording.
“Decisions” is the longest track, clocking in at 6:18 minutes.
It starts with a newscast discussing a shake-up in Portland. The tune is
well-thought-out, with a saxophone adding unique depth and a guitar wailing
away. The male and female vocals are understated, serving the purpose of their
message. It's a song about brotherhood and understanding, reminiscent of a '60s
protest song. The focus here is to take the advice and make a firm “Decision”
to do so.
“Music In Heaven” starts with a soft acoustic guitar. I started
thinking about how this music reminded me of something. The band America came
to mind rather quickly because of the gentle but effective vocal style and
rhythmic guitar playing in this track. As always, this was my take on what I
heard; everyone can listen to it and be engaged differently. Music triggers
things in a listener, whether an emotion is connected to a memory, a person, an
event, or anything in life. The female vocals are a nice touch, and the
partnership works well.
“350 Degrees” begins with excitement and rocking sounds and
quickly changes to a more mellow sound, with acoustic and electric guitar still
a factor but tastefully. The track is about the circle of life and how quickly
it completes that circle, with the hope that goals will be reached.
“A.I.” is present-day, which makes no sense to these folks. The
guitar is rocking out on this track (Courtesy of Barry Scott). There are many opinions about artificial
intelligence, and you hear a powerful take on this subject set to some
incredible musicianship. It's a straight-ahead rocker that might not make sense
to some due to its content. I like the line, “Man or machine, you
just never know.” And that is so true.
“This Isn't A Love Song” tells you what they are singing about
right up front. Just some random thought I decided to put to ink,” the singer
explains. He talks about a lovely woman who moves and sways and how
breathtaking it is. Some nice guitar lines populate the track with some honest
vocals that are just right to emphasize the lyrics. It’s a real toe-tapper.
It's like the smooth sailing sounds of a Jimmy Buffet number.
“Back To The Bullet” certainly is a change in direction for
track titles! It starts with a strumming acoustic and electric slide, giving it
a blues-country feel. It's about a convicted person for murder singing that
they are innocent and to be hanged and on the run to get back to his family. He
sings, asking, “What is free?” and the sound of a prison cell door closing ends
it.
“The Musician” had a record collection when he was three years
old, and he saw The Beatles on Sullivan. After that night, he and thousands of
other kids knew what they wanted to be. The only thing I remember about
watching that is getting mad at all the girls screaming because I could not
hear them playing! It is a touching song about sweet memories and how music
made the singer whole. That combination of rhythmic acoustic guitar and
tasteful electric is added to give the song a rich, layered sound. The vocals
are soft and thoughtful, as they are on many of these tracks.
“Expanding Shadows” starts with an old-fashioned organ playing
to give it that Halloween sound and perfect lyrics. The track is much different
than all the previous tracks. It's dark but light-hearted, a step away from the
other tracks' message. However, that is the point; it sounds like the band is
having fun with all the different types of music and scary lyrics. It is my
favorite track on the album.
“Where Would I Be” returns to a softer approach to people, love,
and emotion. The track could be about a significant person—whatever the
listener wants to interpret it, as is always the case with any song. The lead
guitar and piano playing on this track add a layer of emotion. The lyrics and
vocals are heartfelt and moving, resonating with the listener personally.
Now it's time to close the recording with the title track, “Life
Notes.” After all, this entire album is about a lifetime of memories, events,
and the feelings that surrounded that. This one is thoughtful and about the
meaning of life, and the message is clear: it's about whatever we hold dear.
And that, to me, resonates. The music is well played, and the lyrics are
expressive, with that ever-present strumming acoustic, but, this time, an
electric slide for some more flavor and emphasis is added.
Life Notes is a versatile album that will resonate with music listeners who like to reflect upon their lives and those who could use a little push to do so. The album's soft approach and the moments they decided to cut loose and rock keep the listener engaged. The exemplary musicianship, thoughtful lyrics, and vocals that place enough emphasis on the words when needed make for an absorbing listening experience from start to finish.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net
Founder
September 13, 2024
Tracks:
01. Don't Waste The Dawn 04:12
02. Decisions 06:18
03. Music In Heaven 04:11
04. 350 Degrees 03:13
05. A.I. 04:32
06. This Isn't A Love Song 03:53
07. Back To The Bullet 03:20
08. The Musician 05:15
09. Expanding Shadows 02:30
10. Where Would I Be 03:58
11. Life Notes 02:51
