The Bottom Line
Pros
- "Radio"
- "Breakdown on N. St. Mary's"
- "She Is America"
Cons
- Well, it's not country.
Description
- Produced by Pete Anderson, Tony Rambo, and edited by Sally Browder.
- First full-length disc for the independent, alternative band.
- Nine original tracks with a cover of Roky Erickson's "You're Gonna Miss Me."
Guide Review - Archer Avenue - We Watched the Headlights, We Watched the Stars
I can pretty much always trust that if Pete Anderson's name is attached to a project, it's going to be something worthwhile. Such is the case here, with Texas alt-rock/Americana band Archer Avenue, a tight little quartet who had been playing the circuit in Texas, with one extended play (EP) to their credit, when Anderson watched their act while they were opening for Moot Davis and the Cool Deal. Anderson felt their EP didn't quite capture their sound, so herded them out to California to record a full-length disc at his Dogbone Studios. The result is "We Watched the Headlights, We Watched the Stars" (which may be my favorite album title of all time).Archer Avenue have a touch of a nineties sound, a little like the Refreshments, a little like the Gin Blossoms, a lot of their own unique take on things. Their lyrics are snappy and intelligent, and their songs quick-grabbing (written mostly by rhythm guitarist and vocalist Jack Bonner, with other Archer Ave boys Marc Sauceda and Dave Volk adding their pens, as well), and their playing excellent, especially Marc Sauceda's sharp guitar playing.
These are some personable guys. They're out there drumming up interest for their independent release without the help of some PR firm, and I gotta hand it to 'em. I enjoyed the heck out of their disc and I hope they end up opening for Moot (or Dave Insley, or any of my other "usuals") down here in Phoenix some time.