Reviews

S – I Love This

By Stoney ⋅ January 7, 2008 ⋅  Print this post ⋅ Post a comment

For the uniformed outsider it may seem as if the grand pop tunes of the band S just dropped out of the sky. Quite the contrary, while S is relatively new by band standard, their rock and roll roots run deep along the timeline of local Augusta music history.

The brainchild of Billy S, an Augusta musician whose creds can be traced back to the late 1980’s via popular area bands like Science Friction and Impulse Ride, this Augusta pop rock trio is a step beyond what fans of Billy S are used thanks in part to drummer Adam Tolar (Ex-The Sixth Hour) and bassist Aaron Bradshaw. In short, S seems to be all sides of Billy S musically and artistically with a pinch of extra passion thrown in for good measure.

Just beyond the classic Billy S. induced artwork on the cover “I Love This” kicks off with the ironically titled “Begin AgainTonight”. Right off the bat those hauntingly low scat-like vocals that Mr. S is know for jump out to the forefront. Exhibiting a darker edge to the usual happy pop rock of Billy S, “Begin Again Tonight” is just a hint of the new direction that S is headed.

“Collide” continues down the same dark path but with a sort of hypnotic Eastern type of groove. Imagine Led Zeppelin’s Kashmir done in a more late 80’s Robert Plant solo style and you just might get the idea.

The first shades of the old Billy S we all know and love finally emerge on the fantastically catchy track “Hold Me”. Not to say that the darker side is a bad thing but for Billy S purists this is familiar ground. While a new side of Billy is surely a breath of fresh air it’s also just as nice to hear that he hasn’t forgotten his pop roots.

“Medicine Man” and “Nomad” are almost like odd bedfellows that just happen to have landed on this album. Possibly the most ambitious work that Billy S has been associated with, both of these two deep companion pieces benefit from the strong presence of Tolar’s hypnotic drumming and the tracks powerful and eerie backing vocals. Perhaps this is where the music moves from being Billy S to being S the band.

If there is one track that perfectly walks the line between pop and that dark side it would have to be the song “Same” with its edgy vocal rap and Alice in Chains-esque dark groove. This one is sure to be a favorite of local headbangers!

“September Blue” jumps back into classic Billy S ala “Happy to Be Alive”. Great verses that draw the listener in just in time to be pummeled by the kicking chorus. Leave it to Billy to take a somber tune and make the listener smile.

Just like “Medicine Man” and “Nomad” earlier, “Tell Me” and “Verses” almost walk sonically hand in hand. Both slow brooding dark tunes with haunting guitar and solid drum groove with guitar work that lies somewhere between Zeppelin (Tell Me) and Johnny Rivers “Secret Agent Man” (Verses) this is perhaps the final glimpse of where S “The Band” is heading. Fans of great classic rock can rejoice.

Leave it to S to finish off such a colorful release with a jumpy happy tune with a dark title. “You’re Killing Me” is classic Billy S: All fun, peace and love baby! After all is said and done S leaves you toe tappin’.

If there’s one thing certain when listening to “I Love This” it’s that S continues to expand and grow with every passing day. While the band’s debut release may not have everything for somebody it can easily be said that “I Love This” has something for everyone. Whether you dig snappy pop tunes or edgy dark alternative tunes “I Love This” by the band S has got you covered.

To hear for yourself check out the band’s MySpace at www.myspace.com/sband

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