I first heard of The Electrics on Julie Miller's "Back Of Your Head." They were her band on that song, and I really liked the Celtic folk flavor. So, it was interesting to see that same song kick off The Electrics, which is (as far as I know) their debut release here in the U.S.
The Electrics remind me a little bit of The Crossing in some respects: the instrumentation, the backing vocals, and the authentic folky feel. Several songs sound like Irish jigs. However, where The Crossing often sounds more like a family playing a few jigs in the evening, The Electrics sound more like a band playing at the local pub, at times showing off for the crowd.
I don't think anyone could deny that this album is a load of fun. The peppy fiddles, driving rhythms, Uilleann Pipes, and accordion make this album come alive. I just can't help but tap my feet as I listen to it. During a few of the slower moments on the project, lead singer Sammy Horner reminds me a little of Geoff Moore, for whatever that's worth.
Lyrically, this album steers down the middle of the "Christian road." It has some pure fun songs mixed with some decidedly Gospel-sharing tracks. It should be pretty clear from a quick look at the lyric sheet that these guys love the Lord and like to have fun.
I only have one slight word of caution for this project: the song "Pour Me A Pint" might catch some people's ears the wrong way if they don't listen to the whole song. The singer sees a man who he hadn't seen in years and "was looking better, was the difference 'tween heaven & hell." So he asks, "I don't know what you're drinking, but pour me a pint as well." If you listen far enough you get these great lines:
He said, "I'd love to help you, but it's not mine to give. You'll need to see the proprietor if you want to drink and live. But you won't buy this in a bar room, for they've got none to sell."
Sure, we know they're talking about the living water. But, you have to know that some people will hear the "pour me a pint as well" and go through the proverbial roof. So, if you're worried about that, be careful. Otherwise, enjoy!
If you're looking for something a little off the musically beaten path, something a little Celtic, something a little folky, this might be just what you're looking for to put a smile on your face.
Other coverage for this album
7ball #13Reviewed by Father Mosh5 Minute Walk--SaraBellum's parent label--has introduced us to some of the most enjoyable modern rock bands that we've heard in recent years. Artists like Seven Day Jesus, Black Eyed Sceva (now Model Engine), Dime Store Prophets, Dryve and Five Iron Frenzy have come from the 5MW/SaraBellum stable. Now, for the first time, the label has gone off shore--to the United Kingdom--to sign a band, and it…The Phantom Tollbooth 1997Reviewed by Jeremy ChoiWith only a handful of notable bands in the Christian market creating half-decent Celtic-influenced folk and rock music, the Electrics have set themselves apart as one of the most authentic and intense bands of this genre. Garnering a very loyal following with their previous efforts, Visions and Dreams (1991), Big Silent World (1993) and The Whole Shebang (1995), The Electrics have become a…The Phantom Tollbooth 1997Reviewed by James StewartHaving heard of The Electrics for years, and following them for a couple of those, it's been a strange experience to pick up the recent buzz about them from the USA. This album is something of a 'best of...' with all tracks re-recorded under the watchful eye of Masaki Liu (Dime Store Prophets). Many favourites are here and are definitely sounding better than ever but I was a bit disappointed that…The Phantom Tollbooth 1997Reviewed by Linda T. StonehockerPipes, penny whistles, pubs, and pints. This is manly music created and played by manly men from Scotland and Ireland true to their roots, who know their way around a public house equally as well as a church. The "whole shebang" adds up to a rollickin' good time, a refreshing change from standard CCM cliched rock. 5 tocksThe Phantom Tollbooth 1997Reviewed by Josh SpencerAll-righty then! Woo-hoo! The Electrics are here, all the way from Scotland, with their heavily ethnic brand of rock ("pub rock!"). Ethnic in the Scottish sense--the traditional guitars, bass and drums are joined by pipes, mandolin, fiddle, keyboards, whistles, and an accordion! The accordion even adds a slight Cajun feel to the music, which is, I don't know, weird. Sammy Horner's voice sometimes…The Phantom Tollbooth 1997Reviewed by Shari LloydThe British Isles is sending a lot of great music across the Atlantic lately. From Scotland, the newest group is the Electrics, a wonderful blend of rock and Irish folk music. You'll find the usual guitars, drums, and keyboards plus Uilleann pipes, an accordion, a fiddle, a whistle and a mandolin. The Celtic influence is everywhere and is sure to have you tapping your toe. Highlights are "The…Similar sounding releases
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