CWB debuts with 'Highway Run'
September 21, 2009
Normally, I consider myself to be pretty open-minded when it comes to music.
Still, there are few things worse than clashing genres, which, in most cases, is a cardinal sin of music.
Unfortunately, this is the case for the Charlie Wheeler Band, made up of Greek Cheronis, lead vocals and harmonica, Charlie Wheeler, guitars, Anthony Brown, keyboards, Chuck Jacques, bass and Darren Payne, drums.
Based in western Pennsylvania, CWB’s members hail from Warren & Ridgway, Pa., and Jamestown, N.Y.
Their debut album, titled “Highway Run,” was released last year.
The album’s overall feel is rather unclear, as the songs change from country-inspired blues to overproduced rock.
In some cases, the variety of sounds would be a refreshing change, but for the Charlie Wheeler Band, the songs do not flow very well, further focusing on the fact that they are radically different.
On a positive note, the vocals are very well-produced and the lyrics are well-written.
The main problem is their inability to choose one genre and stick with it.
The band’s tagline, “Old School Rock for Fresh Young Minds,” centers on another problem: their initial audience.
CWB should aim less toward the younger generation and more toward adults who may have a less discriminatory taste in music.
Overall, the album is obviously not my style, but might be a new favorite to some of you. So, if you like the idea of blues, rock and country mash-up, give the Charlie Wheeler Band a chance.