Soundwell E.P.
© Copyright-Sleepy Hollow
(616892000129)
Record Label: Sleepy Hollow
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The legend begins in a small town, in northern New Jersey on a warm May night. Bassist Dan Castiel, formerly from the band Thrillseeker, who at the time had been in a band called Dizzy Dog, entered the legendary Pink Room for the first time. He was there to have a jam with Joe Dell, ex-keyboardist for Spectrum Green, and Eternity X. The two felt that the jam was a good impression of what they would be capable of if they found the right partners to help conquer the world.
With Dan's powerful bass-playing and Joe's, intense keyboard playing they felt they were at the start of creating a band that would be able to compete with any band that was ever on the scene. The plan was to piece together a four-man unit consisting of bass, drums, keys, and guitar. Each member would also have their own unique singing style. Each song would have a hook but also would be well decorated so as not to bore the listener to death. Now that the plan was set it was time to find the right drummer.
It didn't take long to find U.S. Bandit's Frank Melick. He was looking for a new outlet, and a new direction. The boys were impressed by his speed, power, and agility. At the end of the audition it looked like a sawmill exploded under his seat. His high, clear vocals added a new weapon in their vocal arsenal. There was one more element needed to complete the band -- a guitar player. One without flash, but with style and feel. Enter Matt Schwarz, a folk and classical influenced lead/rhythm guitarist. He was the most original guitar player the band had ever met. They felt he was perfect for what they wanted to accomplish. He added a low, expressive vocal style as well as the delicate timbres of flute and acoustic guitar.
In October '99 Sleepy Hollow was complete. In four months they were out playing the local scene with a dozen originals, bolstered with some covers to fill the two-hour sets they'd booked. Filling the places they play with crowds never before seen by club owners, they were constantly asked back.
Moving on to outdoor festivals, they headlined day one at the Fantasy Farm Festival in NY State, leaving the crowd chanting their name. They found time in the autumn of 2000 to put together a four song EP (one song for each vocalist). Each track shows a different facet of the bands creativity and talent (although their more than two dozen originals to date have continued to cover new musical territory, exploiting rock influences from the early 70's to the present, as well as blues, jazz, classical, folk, etc.).
2001 sees them breaking into the NYC scene, including having recently played the Limelight.
Get ready for Sleepy Hollow to revolutionize music and start a genre all of their own!
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This CD is extremely influential and unique! A must have!!
author: Gina Lanakin
This CD has the dynamics of all the master artists. It proves to be a strong tool in revolutionizing a completeley new genre of music, incorporating influences from the early 70's to the present. There is a song for everyone on that CD. Destiny is truly a great hard rock hit! 2 Too Late incorporates a very jazzy undertone, From above is reminisent of early Deep Purple with a very dancable beat.
While Sleepy Hollow is the theatrical experimental song for all of you progressive rock addicts! You will not regret getting this powerful and diverse CD! ENJOY!!
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Many progressive touchstones are here . . .
author: Progression Magazine Issue 46 (Eric Harabadian)
This four-song EP could easily have been recorded in the early 1970s as opposed to the new millennium. Many progressive touchstones are here, from pseudo folk-driven pieces to semi-classical compositions embellished with dramatic dialogue.
"Destiny" is a tune that could have come from the Kansas songbook. It features a straight-ahead rock groove fostered by strong lead vocals from bassist Dan Castiel. A cool mid-tempo organ solo by Joe Dell surfaces and is complemented by hot lead guitar at the end.
"Two Too Late" showcses Dell's mellow lead vocals. With a mix of acoustic renaissance and classical influence the woodwind contributions of Matt Schwarz on flute and Dan Castiel on saxophone are exquisite.
"From Above" sounds like it could have been taken from Deep Purple's BURN album, with its driving groove and cooking organ.
"Sleepy Hollow" closes the disc with guitarist Matt Schwarz recounting said tale of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. With an over-the-top vocal performance that borders on camp, Schwarz valiantly guides this mini-epic through pseudo-classical and near-metal waters.
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Something really unique with some metal and rock elements.
author: Kostas
Sleepy Hollow is one of the few bands which you cannot categorize easily. Their music has elements from progressive metal/rock, hard rock, classical music and even jazz. I will try to elucidate you about the music of this very promising US band
This 4-song EP is the debut album of Sleepy Hollow. The first thing someone should pay attention to, is that this band has not a vocalist. Actually all band share the singing duties. The band marks out a distinct sound by combining all the above mentioned elements. It wasn't so easy to review such an innovative project but after giving it several listens I'll try to analyze it song by song.
"Destiny" which opens the album is a hard rock song (the first half) with obvious progressive metal/rock influences. The second half of the song is mainly an organ solo where Sleepy Hollow prove their music talent. "Two too late" is actually a wonderful jazz-rock ballad where Matt Schwartz's flute brings to mind Jethro Tull. The third track named "From Above" has one of the most strange intros I've ever heard. The rock introduction which ends to a psychedelic organ solo in combination with the unusual lyrics make it unique. Personally I prefer the other 3 songs of this album. Finally the epic "Sleepy Hollow" is according to me the best song of the album. The instrumental intro is just magnificent. A spoken part and wonderful cymbals melodies are followed by a heavy metal part. An excellent solo follows and then we listen again to the instrumental intro accompanied by a magical flute solo. The track ends with a brief heavy metal riff.
I undoubtedly propose this EP to everyone who would like to listen to something really unique with some metal and rock elements. I hope this band continue to refine there sound to a more unique style, and look forward to future releases.
If you are interested in Sleepy Hollow's music you can find their CDs at www.cdbaby.com and www.amazon.com. Also on their official website www.sleepyhollow.com you can find more info and news about this very promising band.
Rating : 85/100
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