If You’re Even Listening
Dig Bee, 2023
8/10
Listen to If You’re Even Listening
A quintet from Washington state with a penchant for rock, folk, country, R&B, pop, and even rockabilly, Alex Blum & The Roadside Quartet make quite an impression with these diverse and energetic 13 tracks.
“Just Me And You” gets the listen off to a very cozy start, where Blum’s expressive pipes and Patrick Storedahl’s melodic acoustic guitar guide the folk-pop climate, and “Devil’s Playground” follows with a thicker presence that benefits much from Peter Jansen’s electric guitar and the playful backing vocals.
Halfway through, “A Bit Of Hope” showcases Ted Clark’s agile drumming amid the dreamy singing that welcomes R&B nods, while “Misfortune” recruits a glowing intimacy that makes great use of Douglas Blum’s strategic bass.
Close to the end, “Ocean”, one of the busier tunes, blends the crisp drums with spirited guitar and smooth singing, and “Hell Or Heaven” exits the listen with a hint of country into the multifaceted and powerful finish.
An excellent first album, the always fertile Pacific Northwest scene rarely disappoints, and anyone with an ear for folk-rock, alt-country or indie-rock will find much to enjoy from Blum and company.
Travels well with: Anna Tivel- Outsiders; Andrea Von Kampen- Old Country