When I first saw The Everyday People last year, they immediately became one of my favorite bands. However, their five-track EP Complicated was too short to satisfy my thirst for the band's music. Now they quenched my thirst and it was worth the wait. The band recently released their first full length LP Catch Me. The album makes a firm statement for how popular they should be. After this album catches on, their position in modern music will be solidified.

The songwriting duo of Jeffrey David (Vocals, acoustic guitar) and Chris York (bass) create more than their share of pop hooks on this record. The hooks seem natural, however, unlike the spoon feeding which is represented on the radio today. These songs rock and funk along with distinction and sincerity. They achieved this on their EP, but their songwriting abilities grew on this release.

Catch Me also reveals some of their eighties pop influence. (They may not appreciate me pointing this out. Even though, in my mind, this is a huge complement.) "Enlighten Me" would easily fit in as an album track on a Crowded House album, especially with lyrics like, "Open my soul and make yourself at home." With the tracks on Catch Me, this element is not contrived as it would be coming from a band whose intention is to resurrect the eighties. The music still remains sounding fresh and modern. Their subtle melodic allusions to eighties pop are just enough to show they realize what made those songs excellent.

Their R&B influences are also evident throughout the album. "For Lust" is just one of songs on the album incorporating bluesy piano and organ (Steve Littleton) into the arrangement. This track, in particular, provides Jeffrey David an opportunity to explore the soulful depth of his vocals. He convinces me of his confidence singing with this style of vocal. Tracks like this one, which accentuate the soul side of the band, add unique flavors to their sound.

Three of the band members, Jeffrey David, Chris York, and Ady Hernandez (electric guitars), produced the album. This is surprising considering the professional level of production they achieved. However, this most likely provided the band more studio time to make the album as good as it is without sacrificing quality. "Regretful" jumps out at me as a sure-fire single. The way the acoustic guitar balances the bright sound of the electric guitar shows instinct in their technique for adding depth and fullness to the melody. On the natively acoustic songs, like "Sleep," the sound is centered on the detail the acoustic guitar provides. The levels used on the bass and kick drum provide heavy accents to the rhythm. Then other instruments carefully get introduced as the song swells. Then they are omitted at the right times to allow the emotion to ebb and flow. The expertise in which this trick is used reminds me of other producers who are well respected in the industry.

It excites me to discover the classic Austin blues music venue Antone's is a beacon on their tour schedule for June 7, 2007. It will be great to hear first hand how this band has grown musically. It also will provide me an opportunity to applaud them in person for the accomplishments made with the release of Catch Me. Who knows, maybe I will get to buy them a round of whiskey drinks for making me so happy. I might not get another opportunity as their tour in support of the album will probably increase their fan base immensely.

---

Tag this article: