So they say rock ?n’ roll is slowly coming to a halt in Murfreesboro. Of course, who is to say any great rock ?n’ roll band ever came straight out of the great border city of Nashville to win over listeners across the country? (It seems there is no loyalty in Nashville.)
Once again, another band from Murfreesboro has come to prove others wrong with its energetic live shows and top-notch musicianship. With the release Traveling Songs, Penguin has brought together an eclectic and dynamic conglomerate of classic rock, Motown and folk/blues with a helping of bluegrass and jazz thrown into the mix. Influences ranging from Radiohead and R.E.M. to King Crimson and Stevie Wonder, Penguin’s Traveling Songs shows strength and diversity throughout each song, such as the classic rock influenced “Set Yourself Free” to the more laid-back, bluesy “It’s So Easy.” Songs such as “How It Is in This Town” and “New Perspective” combine together an old folk influenced sound with an alternative twist.
Throughout the entire album, Penguin never relies on only one particular musical style and manages to take into account each member’s range of influences. By doing so, Penguin has put together an album that can whet the appetite of a range of listeners with different musical tastes.
The songwriting is very developed, allowing the right mood to fit with each song. Since the album is so diverse, the songs can take the listener from a mellow mood to a high energy feeling. The lyrics are maybe not on the level of Leonard Cohen, but the words do fit the style and mood within each song.
The tempo changes fit the message well within each song, and the album itself moves smoothly from song to song, pulling together a solid, euphoric sound. Heading up this cohesive unit is Andy Metz on guitar and vocals with Chris Metz on keyboards and vocals. Both Metzs’ vocals are compelling and harmonic, while Ryan Jerzak’s crafty guitar work provides a unique twist to the already diverse material. D.J. DeMoss on bass and Charlie Blevins on drums are equally impressive in the rhythm section, providing a tight, rhythmic feel to each song, creating strong transitions to keep the varying pace of the album.
By letting go and just playing, almost like a live show, they never compromise their musical gifts. Although the album may lack a little in direction, there is no telling where Penguin may go with their efforts. Although their diversity may seem to hinder their direction at times, the diversity is also a strength that allows them to play whatever they feel is necessary to put their message and material across to their audience. Penguin plays with heart and feeling, and its sophisticated sound and talent is shown in this strong, progressive album.
Sure, a few Nashville-area bands may make a few headlines here and there, but I’ll take Penguin any day right here in the ?Boro.
