Brandon Allin
08/01/06, 08:35 PM
One Night Band (http://www.onenightband.net) - Way Back Home
Release Date: July 11th, 2006
Record Label: Stomp Records
It's an exceptional feat for any batch of musicians to put your name on the map in an industry that's jam-packed with freshman striving for an opportunity to break out. But, it's a finer accomplishment if said entertainers are able to write a success story on their very first attempt. This is a triumph that any performer should cherish. In the case of Montreal, Quebec's self-proclaimed One Night Band, victory on first endeavor appears miniscule amongst the ever-increasing list of achievements that these six musicians have the capability to obtain. With their debut, full-length release, Way Back Home, the One Night Band establish their placement amongst the crowd, all the while formulating an innovative, exciting, and stimulating equation containing the potential to leave listeners in awe. From the albums opening lines to the closing scene, these six musicians shine miraculously at every opportunity, and take advantage of their near hour in the spotlight.
But, what sets the One Night Band apart from the overabundance of artists and accumulations alike? After only a single listen of Way Back Home, the answer becomes clear, and the evidence is astonishing. The bands sound is blessed with a spark that listeners crave, and Way Back Home holds thirteen numbers that sound like instant classics. Yet, with all stereotypical applause aside, exaggeration is not the case in stating that there are clear-cut factors that will certainly stimulate any listeners interest. The first, easily-recognizable factor is the incorporation of two, mixed-gender lead vocalists, Alex Giguere and Jacinthe Michaud, whom both front the bands exceptionally talented rhythm section in an astounding manner with ease. Michaud is the first to shine, as she opens the album with "Crazy", a soul-inspired ballad pulsating with contagious attributes. Although the track doesn't prove to showcase anything groundbreaking in terms of musicianship, Michaud's voice is smooth, beautiful, and enticing, and such a performance is often hard to pass up. The group follows up the opener with the albums title track, "Way Back Home", a bouncy, soulful ska gem that serves up the sort of relaxed energy that any successful, traditional-based ska offering should be able to muster.
However, the spotlights aren't switched on and the albums real focal points aren't discovered until the later portion of the release. On "Right On", Giguere grasps his opportunity to shine as he runs through a series of French lyrics (which can be found in more than a single expression on Way Back Home) with pure passion, pride, and delight. However, on "Rolling The Dice", the records ninth number, the One Night Band break free from the relaxed, light-hearted consistency we've experienced thus far, as Giguere leads us through a classy, swinging arrangement that is sure to get listeners moving. The bands horn section, which consists of saxophonists Christiane Charbonneau and the aforementioned Michaud, are unusually well-founded and exceedingly talented, all the while delivering a bright, cheerful performance that coincides beautifully with the bands natural ambience. Yet, as exhilarating as the One Night Band's performance has proven to be thus far, the albums immediate, paramount classic is tenth effort on the document, "Rescue Me", a sharp, upbeat ska song that is worthy of utmost praise. Michaud's voice is simply stunning, and the track itself holds the ability to force the airwaves to explode with integrity. As a matter of fact, "Rescue Me" is an arrangement that any listener would categorize as refreshing, restorative, and simply boisterous, no matter what sort of background one might hold in terms of musical preference.
Yet, one question always stands. Is this release worth the cost of purchase? At this point in the review, one would declare that this critics answer is definite, but personal feelings towards art should not be limited. It appears there isn't a single flaw to be found within the release, and that alone is an unprecedented feat for any act. The production is absolutely angelic, the rhythms are absorbing, and the words pouring from the dual vocalists are anything but uninspiring. But, where excellence shines through, there's always equal room for improvement. There's truth in the statement that the One Night Band are playing off of a successful, tested formula, and at times their aims emerge as somewhat redundant. Although each track is bewitching in its own right, the sounds boasting from each piece often run together. But, thankfully for the French-Canadian sextet, none of these mishaps are enough to dissociate the record from its unique, captivating, and most importantly, first-class qualities.
In the end, and when it all boils down, the One Night Band's aim is on target and their hands are steady. Way Back Home is, without a doubt, one of the most remarkable, artistic, and stimulating releases Stomp Records has ever seen. It's a safe bet in predicting that these musicians will spend more than just One Night in the public eye, as these are six young performers who have earned the right to set their sights high. Way Back Home is a refreshing flashback to the earliest days of ska music, and the band willingly incorporates elements of roots, soul, and reggae into their already ravishing mixture. I hope the masses have been preparing for a takeover, because I assure you one is on its way.
Westbound Train, The Slackers, The English Beat, Prince Buster, and The SkatalitesMySpace (http://www.myspace.com/theonenightband) | pureVOLUME (http://www.purevolume.com/theonenightband) | Record Label (http://www.stomprecords.com/downloads.php)
Release Date: July 11th, 2006
Record Label: Stomp Records
It's an exceptional feat for any batch of musicians to put your name on the map in an industry that's jam-packed with freshman striving for an opportunity to break out. But, it's a finer accomplishment if said entertainers are able to write a success story on their very first attempt. This is a triumph that any performer should cherish. In the case of Montreal, Quebec's self-proclaimed One Night Band, victory on first endeavor appears miniscule amongst the ever-increasing list of achievements that these six musicians have the capability to obtain. With their debut, full-length release, Way Back Home, the One Night Band establish their placement amongst the crowd, all the while formulating an innovative, exciting, and stimulating equation containing the potential to leave listeners in awe. From the albums opening lines to the closing scene, these six musicians shine miraculously at every opportunity, and take advantage of their near hour in the spotlight.
But, what sets the One Night Band apart from the overabundance of artists and accumulations alike? After only a single listen of Way Back Home, the answer becomes clear, and the evidence is astonishing. The bands sound is blessed with a spark that listeners crave, and Way Back Home holds thirteen numbers that sound like instant classics. Yet, with all stereotypical applause aside, exaggeration is not the case in stating that there are clear-cut factors that will certainly stimulate any listeners interest. The first, easily-recognizable factor is the incorporation of two, mixed-gender lead vocalists, Alex Giguere and Jacinthe Michaud, whom both front the bands exceptionally talented rhythm section in an astounding manner with ease. Michaud is the first to shine, as she opens the album with "Crazy", a soul-inspired ballad pulsating with contagious attributes. Although the track doesn't prove to showcase anything groundbreaking in terms of musicianship, Michaud's voice is smooth, beautiful, and enticing, and such a performance is often hard to pass up. The group follows up the opener with the albums title track, "Way Back Home", a bouncy, soulful ska gem that serves up the sort of relaxed energy that any successful, traditional-based ska offering should be able to muster.
However, the spotlights aren't switched on and the albums real focal points aren't discovered until the later portion of the release. On "Right On", Giguere grasps his opportunity to shine as he runs through a series of French lyrics (which can be found in more than a single expression on Way Back Home) with pure passion, pride, and delight. However, on "Rolling The Dice", the records ninth number, the One Night Band break free from the relaxed, light-hearted consistency we've experienced thus far, as Giguere leads us through a classy, swinging arrangement that is sure to get listeners moving. The bands horn section, which consists of saxophonists Christiane Charbonneau and the aforementioned Michaud, are unusually well-founded and exceedingly talented, all the while delivering a bright, cheerful performance that coincides beautifully with the bands natural ambience. Yet, as exhilarating as the One Night Band's performance has proven to be thus far, the albums immediate, paramount classic is tenth effort on the document, "Rescue Me", a sharp, upbeat ska song that is worthy of utmost praise. Michaud's voice is simply stunning, and the track itself holds the ability to force the airwaves to explode with integrity. As a matter of fact, "Rescue Me" is an arrangement that any listener would categorize as refreshing, restorative, and simply boisterous, no matter what sort of background one might hold in terms of musical preference.
Yet, one question always stands. Is this release worth the cost of purchase? At this point in the review, one would declare that this critics answer is definite, but personal feelings towards art should not be limited. It appears there isn't a single flaw to be found within the release, and that alone is an unprecedented feat for any act. The production is absolutely angelic, the rhythms are absorbing, and the words pouring from the dual vocalists are anything but uninspiring. But, where excellence shines through, there's always equal room for improvement. There's truth in the statement that the One Night Band are playing off of a successful, tested formula, and at times their aims emerge as somewhat redundant. Although each track is bewitching in its own right, the sounds boasting from each piece often run together. But, thankfully for the French-Canadian sextet, none of these mishaps are enough to dissociate the record from its unique, captivating, and most importantly, first-class qualities.
In the end, and when it all boils down, the One Night Band's aim is on target and their hands are steady. Way Back Home is, without a doubt, one of the most remarkable, artistic, and stimulating releases Stomp Records has ever seen. It's a safe bet in predicting that these musicians will spend more than just One Night in the public eye, as these are six young performers who have earned the right to set their sights high. Way Back Home is a refreshing flashback to the earliest days of ska music, and the band willingly incorporates elements of roots, soul, and reggae into their already ravishing mixture. I hope the masses have been preparing for a takeover, because I assure you one is on its way.
Westbound Train, The Slackers, The English Beat, Prince Buster, and The SkatalitesMySpace (http://www.myspace.com/theonenightband) | pureVOLUME (http://www.purevolume.com/theonenightband) | Record Label (http://www.stomprecords.com/downloads.php)