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Sixwire - Sixwire | |
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Reviewed by Matt Bjorke
What happens when you get five friends together in a room? If they are musicians, then what happens is invariably they will write or play some songs. For the members of Sixwire, they liked playing together enough to decide to tour as a band. After touring for a while, the band started to receive offers from numerous labels who wanted to sign the band.
The band ultimately chose Warner Brother Records and their self-titled debut record was produced by guitarist and band member Steve Mandile. Joining Steve are former solo artist and co-writer Andy Childs, who is the lead vocalist, Robb Houston on guitars and background vocals, John Howard on bass guitar and Chuck Tilley on drums. Steve co-wrote five of the tracks with Andy while the band all wrote "Brave Soul."
Featuring tight three-part harmonies (like Diamond Rio and BlackHawk), Sixwire is also deeply rooted in a guitar sound. In fact, the word "sixwire" is a slang word for a six string guitar.
The opening track "Way Too Deep" starts the record a cappella; similar to the way Ricochet covered the Eagles "Seven Bridges Road." The song is about a guy who's in such a deep love that he knows there's no way out of it.
"Look At Me Now" is the uptempo debut single. With its catchy melody, this song, about a guy who's achieving his dream, is one of the better summer songs that I've heard in a while and is already inside the Top 40.
"Saving Grace" is a beautiful ballad that easily could become a wedding staple. The lyrics are about a guy finding the one special woman long after he had given up the hope of finding her.
"Say It Simple" is the type of song that many guys like to hear because it says exactly what they can't find the words to say: "I don't know much about love/ But there's just something 'bout you/ I don't have pretty words,/ but I'm pretty sure that I've got this thing they call love." Musically, the song is an uptempo "power ballad."
"Jack" is a song about a guy who seems to have it all, yet doesn't, because he has absorbed too many debts, and decides to turn to crime to solve his problems. A nice departure from the prevalent love songs on the CD, "Jack" is indicative of a tightly written story song that country music used to be known for. Oh, and it plays on the computer game's title "You Don't Know Jack."
"Broken" with it's lyrics that could easily be about god or a new love showcase the talent that is Steve Mandile. Not only is he a songwriter and guitarist, he also produced the whole record which is highly unheard of for a new artist.
"Brave Soul" is a special song. Its lyrics are beautiful and poetic and if this song isn't a hit song, especially since the 9/11/01 attacks, it should at least show us all that we are all heroes to someone in our life and that even if we aren't an astronaut or a figher pilot that we still can be important to someone.
Sure, Sixwire is not traditional country and it could even be considered pop in places but that doesn't mean that it isn't good music. For that my friends is what Sixwire's debut record is, a solid collection of good music.
Song List:
Sound clips courtesy of Sixwire's Official Website.
Album cover, used with permission of Warner Brothers Nashville.
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