Check out LA-based Alt-Country/ Americana/ Roots-Rock outfit Sam Mellon and the Skylarks. They recently put out a self-produced 3-song EP in preparation for a full-length record already in production.
The band is fronted by Sam Mellon (vocals, acoustic guitar) and joined by Julie Wolf (accordian, piano, vocals), David Serby (electric bass guitar), Carl Urbinati (electric guitar) and Dave Ray (drums, vocals).
Urbaniti surfs his way through an awesome guitar solo on the “The Bombs Fall Around Me”. While a particular favorite is “Elevator on Fire”, a jangly, pop number highlighted by Wolf’s accordian and piano work. Last but not least, “Your New Hometown”, feels like a happy/sad journey through suburbia. You’ll find the musical chemistry of the Southern Californians evident on all three numbers found on the sampler and Mellon does a great job as lead. They certainly leave high anticipation for the forthcoming full-length effort. Think of them as Marah’s west coast counterpart.
Hear more on the Sam Mellon and the Skylarks web site or their MySpace profile and be sure and support the band by purchasing their EP on CDBaby and of course, if they play near you, you gotta check ’em out live.
About the author: Gainesville, FL area creative by day. Music is my muse. I host Twangville’s weekly Readers‘ Pick.