S&M What are we waiting for Reviews!

Cyrus Rhodes
President, Syndicated Music Critic
INDIE MUSIC DIGEST
Seattle, WA
(360) 509-1779 - Office

Artist: S&M
CD: What re we Waiting for
Label: Bloody Mary Records
Website: http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/SMBand
Genre: R&B, Americana, Southern Fried Rock
Sounds Like: Allman Brothers, Pearl Jam, Bob Segar
Technical Grade: 9/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 9/10
Commercial Value: 9/10
Overall Talent Level: 9/10
Songwriting Skills: 10/10
Performance Skill: 10/10
Best Songs: What are we waiting for, Everything, I’m Stoned
Weakness: Mix
CD REVIEW:

South Dakota’s own A&M releases their latest CD entitled What are you Waiting For in 2011. Band members include Jeff Geiser (Drums), Mike Chlopkowaik, All Mevissen (Bass), Al Mevissen, Ed Woodruff (Guitar), Al Mevissen (Mandolin), Ed Woodruff, Lindie Woodring (Lead Vocals), Al Mevissen, Carmen Mevissen (Harmony Vocals)
The CD kicks things off with “The Road to Heaven” a peaceful intro piece that serves up acoustic rock groove against driving rock rhythm, meshed with an infectious bluesy-rock melody that flows and ebbs its way through to emotional fruition. I especially like how this piece builds up well towards a grand slam of a chorus. Track 2 “All Alone” dishes out yet another solid track with its passionate, heartfelt vocal delivery by Woodruff, solid bluesy rock groove and impressive lyrical content. Track 3 “I’m Stoned” features Lindie Woodring on vocals and goes down smooth - like a shot of whiskey with its well-placed harmonies, heartfelt vocals and impressive mandolin licks. The CD makes a solid first impression dishing out 3 rock solid songs in a row. As the CD unfolds I can hear many musical influences reminiscent of classic Bob Segar, Black Crows, Allman Brothers, Grateful Dead, R.E.M. Gordon Lightfoot and even Pearl Jam. Right from the start you will notice Woodruff and company feel quite comfortable just letting it all hang out musically, not holding anything back. The overall musical vibe has a Southern Fried Rock feel to it with a touch of Americana-Rock-Blues. The bands playing is rock solid across the board as they dish out some impressive bluesy guitar licks against a rock steady rhythm section. Equally as impressive is Woodruffs vocal presence and harmonies as he takes several vocal risks throughout the CD indicating to me a strong and confident vocal ability. Woodruffs voice is full of passion and recklessness abandon. Woodruff clearly makes the (singer to listener) vocal connection with his singing. The songs themselves are short and sweet musical experiences, each one possessing unique personality, flair and signature groove in classic Jam Band fashion. From passionate “Dark Before the Dawn” to my personal favorite “What are we Waiting For” to heartfelt “I’ll be There” and “Everything” to upbeat I Aint Jesse James” this CD has something for just about everyone. The CD ends with Bittersweet Honesty” the perfect finale statement.
The overall mix lacks what I would call continuity song to song and doesn’t compare to other world class productions within this genera. Drums (especially share sound extremely thin on a few songs and lack solid low end punch and crystal clear high end clarity. Mixing will always be the biggest make or break for any production. Each phase of the production process (recording, mixing, mastering) should be handled by a seperate and experienced professional – especially the mix. I will add that because the songs are so amazing this issue is virtually transparent to most listeners. Track 1 and 2 sound a bit awkward fading out the way they do and sound like incomplete statements. In my opinion the bands name and cover art concept don't coincide with their amazing sound and image.
What are we Waiting For by S&M is a solid debut statement. Song for song, note for note it has an amazing feel good groove to it. It’s strong suit – the song for song rock solid consistency and amazing vocal presence of lead singer Ed Woodruff. At the end of the day this CD possess allot of powerful emotions and touches on some amazing subject matter. If S&M has a slam dunk live presentation then that would make a pretty lethal combination. So if you like rock that dishes out rock-bluesy type ditties reminiscent of classic Allman Brothers, Pearl Jam and Gordon Lightfoot then you should jump into this CD head first.
Rating 9/10
Cyrus Rhodes

Artist: S&M
Album: What Are We Waiting For
Reviewed by Matthew Warnock


It is a rare feat for a band these days to release a second, or if by some miracle, a third album, stick together and continue to be successful. It seems that even the most successful groups have a hard time sticking together for more than one album before they fade back into the shadows as the latest flavor of the week takes their place on the charts and in the public consciousness. With that in mind, it is even more impressive that modern country band S&M have not only been able to make music for 17 years, but that they have kept original members on board the entire time. This cohesiveness that has developed over the years, as both songwriters and performers, shines through on their latest record What Are We Waiting For?” The album is a collection of classic country sounds, interpreted in a modern fashion, all being played with the type of musical understanding and artistic passion that can only be developed by spending years on the bandstand together.

The tracks on the album run the gamut from slow, country ballads, to southern rock influenced songs, all of which are written with the utmost respect for the tradition of the genre, as well as injecting enough personality to make them unique and worth the price of admission. Songs such as the opener “The Road to Heaven” is a mixture of acoustic guitar accompaniment leading into a killer electric lick that raises the intensity and takes the track to the next level. While other songs, like “I’m Stoned,” stays on the softer, acoustic side of the genre while still maintaining a high energy level and deep audience engagement. No matter what approach, groove, tempo or overall musical vibe the band chooses, one thing remains the same, their tight-knit ensemble interaction, toe-tappin’ groove and ability to find the right instrumental backing to frame the lyrical content of any track. All of these elements come together to help make the album as successful as it is.

One of the musical elements that stand out during the record is the lead guitar work by Ed Woodruff and Al Mevissen. Ed and Al’s solo work, in both a lead and featured solo context, portrays the time they have spent on the bandstand and with a guitar in their hands. The intro to “I’ll be there” is a good example of the approach to the lead lines. The riff is a melodic phrase that repeats itself before finishing on a cadence, leading into the opening verse. By keeping things simple, Woodruff and Mevissen allow the listeners to be a part of their creative output, rather than playing over their heads or running lead lines that sound impressive but that don’t fit the musical moment.

As well, the alternating vocals of Woodruff and Lindie Woodring are a nice touch that adds an extra level of interest to the record. Woodring, who is only featured on the track “I’m Stoned,” brings a softer touch to the song with her range and vocal timbre, adding a touch of variety to the rest of the album which is sung by Woodruff. Her powerful vocal quality never overpowers the song, but instead it blends nicely with the rest of the band as she digs deep and gives a strong performance on both the verse and chorus parts of the track.

Overall, What Are We Waiting For is a strong effort from a band that has been around for a long time, learned their lessons well on the road and in the recording studio, and have brought those experiences together on an interesting and enjoyable modern country record.



Reviewed by Matthew Warnock
Rating: 4 Stars (out of 5)


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