Since I used to live in Kansas, it was an honor to review this
\n(formerly) local band’s work. Writer Dain Estes has put together a
\ndiverse group of artists combining soft rock, unique world beats
\nand everyday pop resulting in his own brand of alternative
\nmusic.<\/p>\n
Although they were unfamiliar (har!) to me, Shaking Tree began
\nplaying in the Midwest in 1996 and released this CD this year.
\nEstes said it was recorded under no time constraints, and that
\nlaid-back approach definitely paid off.<\/p>\n
With just a small hint of Celtic, “Everywhere” opens the CD,
\nalready establishing the world-music influence on these guys. The
\nstringed instruments take control and it becomes a light airy
\nspirit that carries through the rest of the CD. And if I can
\nconnect with the lyrics then the music will immediately follow, and
\nthe words here remind me of my state: “To walk upon the cold \/ Cold
\nearth between the dirt and stone \/ Trembling like shaking trees
\nwaiting on the storm.” These words sum up exactly how I feel about
\nKansas — somewhere between dirt and stone.<\/p>\n
“Familiar” is a love song of repentance and the familiarity of
\ntrying to succeed in a relationship but not doing enough to make it
\nwork, making it “easier to lock the door than be forgiven.” Again,
\nthe lyrical writing talents of Estes are dominant on the CD,
\nwafting from folk on “Light in August,” a rich, warm performance,
\nto pop on “Didn’t Say,” a forceful song with a slight reminiscent
\nflavor of John Mellencamp.<\/p>\n
“One Night” takes the romantic ideal of love and twists it into
\na song about a one-night affair — “Just don’t count on me\/I’ll let
\nyou down \/ ‘Cause you’re only here \/ ‘Cause I’m bored of this
\ntown.” “Beautiful” is by far the best on the album and it closes
\nthe CD, flowing smoothly and incorporating anger and pain
\nunderneath a pop and bluegrass combo.<\/p>\n
\nFamiliar<\/i> remains consistent musically and lyrically. Estes
\nis a superb writer, unafraid of exposing himself through his words,
\nand has said in interviews the songs on the radio lack honesty. His
\nwords coupled with the band’s clever backdrops make this a rarity
\nin the musical world and a release worth examining.<\/p>\n