FAME Review

http://www.acousticmusic.com/fame/p09013.htm
Changes might be the theme of this disc; a new line-up that is down to 4, from its original 6 members, that includes a new drummer, Richard Millsap. Then we have founding member Gordy Quist becoming a father, ooh boy is that a new perspective, and Ed Jurdi moving his family from Austin to Asheville, NC, and of course the departure of founding member Colin Brooks, along with bassist Seth Whitney and John Chipman. Quite a shake up and series of changes for any band to go through, and those changes are bound to cause a difference in the sound of the band, and it did.
The sound is a bit quieter and less rocking, which is just different and not a negative, rather just a statement of fact. The songwriting is still good, strong and incisive. What is going to be important is their live shows. This band created quite a bit of attention with their live shows as a band that always did energetic and demanding shows that you wanted to go to see. It had the ability to change the songs to living entities. This new sound, as it is presented on this disc still has the same sharp songwriting, yet it is somehow a bit softer and not as demanding of the listener’s attention. This is also something that might just correct itself with the passage of time and playing more in this line-up. Though with one member in Asheville, NC and one in Austin, Texas they are not exactly next door, and any time of day or night able to get together and put a song together. Something to watch.