The Longwalls are a regional band from the Boston scene. They mix Power Pop riffs and melodies with Americana influences and instrumentation. The bands new EP, “Kowloon†is releasing on December 4th. With eight songs, â€Kowloon†is closer to an album than an EP. This is a band that deserves more than a regional following. They are able to balance a delicate mixture of musical styles into a coherent collection of songs. They blend Pop melodies, synthesized atmospherics and Americana undertones. I am not sure quite how they pull it off, but the end result is a musical stew (since they are from Boston I should probably call it a “chowdahâ€) with a perfect recipe.
The album starts off with the anthemic and atmospheric “Vasaâ€. They then follow it up with two Pop masterpieces, “Big MT and “Long for Shipwrecksâ€. The latter is a very catchy tune employing pedal steel and mandolin. Throughout these eight songs there is a balance of acoustic and electronic instrumentation. Their sound is both modern and classic at the same time. Just for fun they close with what is essentially a Country song, “Just Bring Me Peaceâ€. This collection of songs should be enjoyed by a wide audience. I hope the Longwalls are discovered outside of their New England home base.
Audio Download: The Longwalls, “Big MT” [audio:http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7770435/Longwalls%20-%20Big%20MT.mp3]
About the author: Chip and his family live in Birmingham, AL. Roll Tide!