Album Notes

Hailing from way out west-Johnstown — New York that is — rock band Road To Oblivion has a well-thought out debut CD.

The band is Alexandra Higgins on vocals, Mark Bertini on keyboards, Duane Etienne on bass, Terry Plunkett on guitar and Neil Goes on guitar. The tunes have many different textures, shapes and shades, but that’s not surprising, as Higgins is a painter and sculptor as well.

First off, “Good Day” is loaded with an optimistic vocal and angelic harmonies. One of the best tunes, “Not This Time,” lends itself to a wide open sound that could live well in the jam band world — and a funky groove and pounding piano puts it over the top.

In the circular “Positive Peace & Try,” a nice but nasty solo by Plunkett pushes it along. “Still In Love With You” could be Higgin’s most impressive vocal delivery, as it’s fiery and emotive. Etienne’s inventive bass playing is the secret weapon here.

The band turns down a country road in “Only You” (with guest George Schacher supplying the fiddle fireworks) and finish up with the attitude-laden groove-fest “2 Good 4 U,” the powerhouse “Just Can1t Wait” and the infectious “Passing Day.” The hopeful open-road anthem “Matter of Time,” where Higgins sings “Ride with God and leave it up to him,” takes it home.

RTO sure knows how to shift the gears, and though its cornering could be better, this is a promising first effort.

Visit www.myspace.com/roadtooblivionband.

David Malachowski is a guitarist, producer and freelance journalist living in Woodstock. The Freeman seeks CDs by local artists or artists appearing locally for review. Please send all CDs (please no CD-Rs or demo CDs) to Daily Freeman c/o Preview, 79 Hurley Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401.