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  Ryan
Shupe & the RubberBand showcase their amazing talents on their
fifth release to date, which also happens to be their first release
on Capitol Records. An acoustic band with a sound that falls into
so many genres that they defy classification, Shupe and the RubberBand
do some mighty mean pickin' on their banjos, mandolins, fiddles
and similar instruments. I hate to even try classifying their music
because it's so unique, but to serve potential listeners, I need
to try.
Their music is a cross of bluegrass, rock, country and I'd dare
to say even zydeco. They have a unique sound that screams places
like New Orleans, though they couldn't be based further from that
scene (they're in Salt Lake). Plainly said, this is good stuff!
This album features twelve tracks with a bonus track thrown in for
good measure. Ryan Shupe writes all of the music and lyrics, and
his bandmates collaborate on the arrangements. Everything is really
good. There's only one song that I felt was a little choppy in its
lyrics, and that was the fifth track "Would You Love Me."
It didn't quite tell a story or make sense the way the rest of the
tracks did, but the music was incredible. But here's the rundown
of all the tracks.
The album gets off to a running and hilarious start with "Banjo
Boy," Shupe's lament that his only obstacle to fame and fortune
is the fact he's a banjo player. Funny but awesome in the raw power
of the music.
"Even Superman" continues the near break-neck speed and
speaks about how even Superman has his weaknesses.
"Dream Big" is the first 'single' off this album, and
can be heard on any major radio station in America. They also have
an MTV music video to accompany this one. "Dream Big"
has 'put them on the map.' The CD slows down the pace a little bit
in a pleasant manner as the album's first ballad. A lovely tribute
to the need to continue to dream big even after making a big mistake
or having a big fall.
Next comes "Simplify," which is treatise on the need to
keep life simple despite the many pressures to do otherwise. Great
lyrics and music.
Then comes the only track that I felt could have been a little better
lyrics-wise. The music is outstanding, but the lyrics didn't really
say anything to me. I couldn't figure out what he meant by "Always
trust me/would you love me/If it won't hurt at all/If it won't hurt
at all" in the context of the rest of the lyrics. Sorry, just
don't get it.
Then came the stellar instrumental piece "Ambush." It
ambushes your ears is what it does. Just truly great musicianship.
"New Emotion" makes up for the unsettled feeling of "Would
You Love Me" with its clarity. It was very clear Shupe was
speaking of the excitement of new love. The interesting thing is
the universality of the lyrics. The song could have just as easily
applied to the first love one feels for their newborn child as it
does of one's first love. Great songwriting.
"The Rain Falls Down" talks about those unfinished and
unsettled feelings one has when they're in a situation similar to
being stuck out in the rain without an umbrella.
I love "Never Give Up." This should be everyone's anthem.
The lyrics speak of staying true to oneself even when there's pressure
to do otherwise. I had the feeling he was talking about the music
industry in particular, but I suspect a lot of youth and young adults
will find much to grasp onto with this one.
"She's Bad for Me" is the lament of a fella knowing he's
gotta end a relationship because the feelings just aren't there.
"Oh How I Miss You" is a nice tribute to the one he does
find who is worth hanging onto. "Oh how I miss you/Wish I could
kiss you/Hug you hold you/It would be bliss to/Look in your eyes
see/They mesmerize me/And leave me with nothing to fear." More
good stuff.
They save some of the best for last! The last track, titled "Hey
Hey Hey" is rollicking piece about wanting to know someone
a bit better. The song ends at just about 2 minutes and then the
bonus track clicks in. And what a hoot it is! In a hilariously upbeat
love song, Shupe croons his love for a good corndog and how no girl
he dates is worth keeping unless she likes corndogs too.
This is an excellent album and I'd give it a five except I'm afraid
they'll keep getting better. What the hey, they deserve a five.
Keep in mind, if you're looking for soothing music, this is not
the album for you. If you want some seriously toe-tapping, get up
off the floor and go out dancing kind of music, this is stellar
stuff.
One more thing. I have a compliment for the production values of
the album. I'm now dying to go see these guys live. The balance
of the vocal and music was perfect and one could tell that what
they were hearing they could expect to hear it the same way live.
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Dacia
A. Blodgett-Williams
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