'Fenceposts', The Peach Truck Republic, Peach-Key Records, 2000

It is too bad that few people have heard about this
release from 2000, since it is a notable release and
perhaps even a masterpiece. There are thirty-seven
songs and one hundred and forty-five minutes of music here, based on a poem no less.
The Peach Truck Republic is a jam band, and there are a number of guitar-based instrumental tracks here. But there are also songs that show the influence of rock, country, and jazz.  The grooves vary from propulsive rocking to slow meditative works.
There are three guitarists, one keyboard player, and a drummer in the band, along with various guests (I assume at least one of the guitarists plays the bass most of the time.) The guitars never sound harsh. The players use many effects, but they only soften the
sound.
The lyrics are difficult to understand at times, but they come from a long poem called 'Like Fenceposts Down the Road.' They deal with rural life, with plenty of vocal harmonies included. The songs are not exactly bucolic, however. Many have a strong beat and some feature intricate time changes.
This band has been compared to the Grateful Dead, but the comparison is rather superficial. About the only thing here that relates to the Dead is jamming and having a keyboard in the background. The vocals and guitar tuning are much different.
Despite its length, this CD stays strong throughout. There is not enough dead wood to build even one fencepost.

- Dave Howell

web site at http://www.geocities.com/peachkey