Big Meteor are a folk-rock band from Ottawa, Canada. Like many
\nCD’s of this genre, there is also a little mix of country and blues
\nthroughout, but what this band has that sets it apart is their
\nunique brand of quirkiness.<\/p>\n
This is apparent on the very first song called “Wild River”, a
\nmidtempo rockabilly tune. It takes a little while to get used to
\nlead singer and songwriter David Wimble’s voice because it is
\nmonotone and his sense of rhythm is a little different.
\nNevertheless, it is a good song about what people will do for love
\nand sets the tone for the rest of the CD.<\/p>\n
This style appears later to better effect on “Wall Of Ice”,
\nwhere the imagery is outstanding. But it borders on annoying when
\nthe songs are less strong such as on “Just The Two Of Us” and “You
\nCan’t Love Yet”. And I have mixed feelings about the closer “Big
\nMeteor”, a very slow number where it sounds like Wimble has
\nrecorded in the bathroom.<\/p>\n
There are some more conventional sounding songs as well. “To
\nWhom I Must Confess” sounds like a classic country tune. The same
\ncan be said for “The Waitress”, a touching tune with a nice steel
\nguitar solo. “Honest Man” sounds like it was taken from the Bruce
\nSpringsteen songbook as it is about a man unjustly accused of
\ncommitting a crime. Springsteen fans will like this song.<\/p>\n
Larry Wayne Church is the featured guitar player and he turns in
\nmany solos on
\nWild River<\/i>. He has an understated style that avoids
\nflashiness. He is particularly strong on slower songs like “Alive
\nIn Every Hour” where he turns in an exceptional emotional
\nperformance.<\/p>\n
The highlights on
\nWild River<\/i> are “Mission”, the most assured of the rockers,
\nwhere everything (songcraft, instrumental prowess) really clicks.
\n“Until You Take Your Leave” has a scorching piano part and a
\ncomplex melody line, with some shades of progressive rock without
\nthe bloatedness of that genre. “Tap On My Shoulder” is a slow,
\nmajestic folk tune that shows Wimble at the height of his creative
\npowers.<\/p>\n
These three songs make the CD worth getting, but as a whole,
\nWild River<\/i> does not quite gel. It seems like they have
\nthrown a lot of ideas in here to see what would stick, and the CD
\nnever gains any momentum. However, Big Meteor have a lot of
\npotential, and with a little tweaking, they could come up with some
\ngreat CDs in the future.<\/p>\n