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 PEPPERTOWN
Firefly
SOL Records
Peppertown is a unique blend of alt-country rock infused with
a slight Bruce Hornsby meets John Cougar flare. Their base roots
embrace blues and ‘70s southern rock which makes for a
pleasant, if not predictable, mid-western delivery. Hailing
from Indiana, the quintet has spent the last year playing roadside
bars from Cincinnati and Louisville to Indianapolis. 23 year-old
Scott Siefferman leads the band with his nasal baritone and
acoustic guitar. He can craft a hook as that’s immediately
addictive like the intoxicating “She Runs From Me”
or the amped up Bob Seger-like “Cold Hand.” Yet,
it’s his candid, direct and, at times, deeply personal
lyrics that elevate the songwriting. Joined by lead guitarist
Ryan Baker, bassist Keith Eckstein and ex-Pure Grain rhythm
section Brian DeBruler (drums) and Michelle D’Amico (percussionist)
the five come together in a tangle web of rustic folk and exhilarating
jams.
There are the elegant guitar sweeps in “Change My Ways,”
the Santana wizardry of “Season of the Burn” and
the mesmerizing coaching of “Alone Again” where
Siefferman vocals meet layered harmonies that drip like honey
over a keyboard ripple. Strong elements of ‘70s icons
Firefall, Ambrosia and early Wings find their rhythmic patter
in songs like “Firefly” and the jingling swagger
of “Peppertown Road.” A wiry sense of humor bonds
“Tractor Wreckin’ Blues,” “My Addictions”
and “Life is Flyin” with a chemistry of soulful
charm and roll-licking rumble. Over 11-tracks, the five-piece
showcase some serious chops proving to be well-rehearsed instrumentalists
as well as unique and original in their songwriting. Funny how
even in their darkest, bluesy moments Peppertown still conjure
up memories of the Smithereens and BoDeans.
Website: Peppertown
The
Cutting Edge
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