New musical direction pays off for Eric and the Sliders

With a musical maturity that belies the band's age and experience, Eric and the Sliders' self-titled debut album is easy to listen to and full of promise.

With a Rob Thomas kind of lyricism and memorable guitar sounds throughout, the song "Chasing After You" has "single" written all over it and makes for a perfect start to the album. The feeling is carried over to "City Lights," full of feel-good moments and fun lyrics with a terrific build to the end.

The raw emotion and simple construction of "Way She Moves" makes the song an instant favorite, reminiscent of the Plain White T's or acoustic Death Cab for Cutie. The intricacies of singer Eric Goldberg's voice are at the forefront, while the sentiment of "souls with too much to carry" weighs the song down in an impactful way.

Previously a classic rock cover operation with jam band tendencies, Merrick-based Eric and the Sliders headed in a pop/rock direction in May of 2009 and hasn't looked back. The new sound, current and commercial, suits the foursome well and puts the band in the same rising-star category as local favorites Walking Upright. Although the production quality is lacking at times, and some of the arrangements feel a bit too safe and level, the natural ability and thoughtful artistry is obvious throughout this solid first effort.

Definitely worth a listen. And another. And another.

Catch Eric and the Sliders at this year's Bamboozle fest in New Jersey on May 1, or visit them at http://www.ericandthesliders.com.

--Janine Sebastian

Book Review: "The Wizard of Odd" by Soda

$12.95 // Llumina Press // www.llumina.com

A witch. A wizard. A young boy, mourning the loss of his parents, who transforms his grief into courage to save a city in the clouds. Though the coming-of-age journey young Donovan Bale undertakes is reminiscent of Wonderland's Alice or Oz's Dorothy, author Soda makes sure it's fresh and different in all the right places, making "The Wizard of Odd" an endearingly sweet read.

"The Wizard of Odd" develops themes of childhood wonder and unquestioning belief in right versus wrong, almost as if a wise child himself were crafting the story. Donovan and his friends are quick-thinking and lucky, yet vulnerable enough to feel real. A few twists at the end make for an overall enjoyable story that children and adults of all ages can enjoy.

The piercing purity of the entire story is a reflection on the heart of its author. Soda is an artist through and through, able to breathe beauty into life whether with music or prose -- a rare ability. "The Wizard of Odd" is certainly a triumph that will leave the reader looking forward to more from multitalented Soda.

-Christine Sampson