Acoustic Syndicate’s sound has always been characterized by growth and evolution. Since the band officially formed in the early 1990s, they have continued to challenge themselves to grow as a band with the same earnest intensity that permeates their music. This evolution is never more strikingly apparent than on Long Way Round, their second release for roots label Sugar Hill and their first foray into injecting a studio project with the drive and passion that typifies their live shows.
The band did a lot of things different this time around…Perhaps it was the addition of Texas music legend and producer Lloyd Maines into Acoustic Syndicate’s mix that propelled the band to create what they consider their “best project ever.” Or perhaps it had something to do with saxophonist Jeremy Saunders joining the band, after having been long thought of by the other members as their unofficial fifth member. Front man Steve McMurry would venture to say that the change of the band’s sound from gentle and melodic to bold and live was a natural progression.
“Over the last three or four years, the live material seemed to be adopting a bigger, bolder attitude… The trend continued on until the new material started to sound more like live songs than studio stuff. This evolution was of its own doing. We’ve always tried not to impede any obvious, eventual metamorphosis of the band or of the music.”
Whatever the reason, the result is a powerful and fluid record that seamlessly blends the group’s past melodic, pretty recording style with the power and driving rhythm of their live show. One of the main shifts of focus involved bringing their strong vocals and dead-on harmonies to the forefront.
Producer Lloyd Maines had a lot to do with that emphasis. “I was really an advocate of pushing the vocals… Man, the vocals are so soulful that it has to be out front.”
This is evident right off the bat, with the opening and title track “Long Way Round.” The song sets a tone for the bluesy vocals and harmonies that carry through the entire album. “The Blue Bird Train” also features very strong, out-front harmonies, as well as some fine saxophone work by the band’s newest member. “The Pilot,” the band’s tribute to musical legend John Hartford, highlights not only Steve McMurry’s strong lead vocal, but also his songwriting.
"Just As It Happened" is probably their most intense work on record so far. It begins with an intro (“Wake”), reminiscent of Peter Gabriel’s “So”era, that gives way to an anthemic rave-up. All this builds up to the lyrics, which showcase another, somewhat darker, side of the band’s songwriting. Bryon McMurry’s story of the fuzzy and frightening line between dreams and reality contrasts sharply with some of the more upbeat tunes on the album.
Acoustic Syndicate certainly hasn’t lost any of the instrumental chops that have been the mainstay of its past recordings. The band swaps licks and trades off time in the spotlight, weaving strong ensemble work together with tasteful solos. “A Prayer for Solace” and “Hypocrite Smile” feature very strong instrumental work from all members of the group, from sax to banjo.
Saxophonist Jeremy Saunders has contributed on past Syndicate albums as well as joining them on stage from time to time over the past few years. As a permanent member of the band, he’s brought a breath of fresh air to the group’s instrumental vibe. The interplay between Bryon’s banjo and Jeremy’s sax creates an intricate and interesting combination of sounds finding a comfortable place between bluegrass and jazz.
This mixture of styles and sounds has always played an important role in the band’s identity. While Bryon McMurry’s banjo lends a decidedly bluegrass feel to the group, his brother Fitz’s work on the drums certainly doesn’t fit that mold. Add another layer to the mix, that of Steve McMurry’s hard-driving acoustic guitar style and what Maines describes as “the vocal sensibility of the Eagles,” and it’s not hard to argue that Acoustic Syndicate is creating their own sound on every song. Thanks to the versatility of bassist Jay Sanders, whose playing ranges from jazz to rock to bluegrass to country and back again, the variety of styles blend together seamlessly to create their trademark sound.
Although the McMurrys (Steve, Bryon and Fitz) grew up playing music together in rural North Carolina, Acoustic Syndicate did not come together officially until 1992, when they enlisted bassist Jay Sanders to round out their trio. They released their first album, Acoustic Syndicate, in 1996. Touring in the Southeast gradually built a fan base for the band and wider recognition for their Tributaries album in 1998. Since, they’ve continued to tour, playing clubs as well as festivals like 2004’s Bonnaroo Festival. Show after show, they enchant audiences with their energy and win new fans at every turn.
"Too bad most contemporary pop music doesn't have the organic elegance of Acoustic Syndicate." -Vintage Guitar
Long Way Round
Sugar Hill Records
October 12, 2004
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