Monday, April 19, 2010

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

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