Folk music is making a comeback and Friction Bailey is trying to ride the wave of that return. Featuring the vocal and guitar talents of husband and wife team Steve and Joy Guiles and the added musical talents of Ben Eggehorn and George Matamala on percussion and bass/keyboards respectively, the band has managed to produce a strong acoustic-based album.
The album has been in the works since 1995 with the release of a home-recorded demo. Due to accolades from friends and family, the Guiles' decided to professionally record a full-length album. Thus, Tengo Yellow Pedal.
Citing influences such as Simon and Garfunkel, Paul Westerberg, The Sundays and Lauryn Hill, Friction Bailey combines the best of both the 70's folk rock with subtle elements of 80's punk rock into a pleasant, Joni Mitchell-esque album. The vocals are tight, fitting the soft, yet driving folksy music. Though acoustic based, the melody deepens at times and fills out with the addition of percussion and deep bass sounds.
The opening track, "I'm a sucker (for your love)" presents the metaphor of our relationship with God and a marriage relationship. "And this understanding that we have together/All those things that we let tumble to the ground/You said, 'I'll forget just let it go'/I said, 'I'm a sucker for your love.'"
Track two, "Hope in My History" features the lead vocals of Steve Guiles and the sweet harmony of his wife. This song speaks of remembering the past and where one has come from. This is the hope in one's history - seeing where God has taken you from and relating that to periods of doubt and wondering.
"Thin Wall" is a slightly more upbeat song with fun, yet serious lyrics. The song begins slowly with just a bed of guitar then suddenly springs to life with the addition of a lead guitar and percussion. Clear bass notes weave in and out of the song, driving it forward. The vocal harmonies of the two vocalists bring it all together.
The album winds its way through the eleven tracks, holding them all together with the earthy, folksy sound made popular three decades ago. An instrumental piece dedicated to the memory of a loved one draws the listener into the music, as if outlining the joyous life of the departed one. The album ends on the Sunday school favorite "Rejoice" arranged by the Guiles'.
Tengo Yellow Pedal is a strong debut album with definite promise. Though at times the lyrics could use a little tightening, the album overall is soothing and relaxing to listen to.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
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