The Wayside Shakeup began in 2003 with some quiet jams in Haddon View apartments, and one original song which founding members Chris D’Antonio and Rob Volansky really, really liked. After that brief stint, they went their separate ways, but when Rob returned from living overseas in ’07, they began writing songs in earnest.
Chris and Rob both graduated from Haddon Twp. HS, but in different eras – Chris in ’01, Rob in ’93. The generation gap partially explains the differences in influences between the two, the most notable of which is that Rob is far more a product of grunge. Otherwise, their likes can be broken down by decades. Chris, though younger, has a strong background in 50’s & 60’s doo-wop and Motown; Rob grew up on 70’s classic rock radio and 80’s MTV hits. Chris leans toward Floyd, Rob leans toward Zep. Given a life-or-death choice, Rob would take 80’s schmaltz over Phish or the Dead, but just barely. Chris likes his pop but loves the jams. Apart from guitar-based music, Chris has a great feel for hip-hop, and Rob has a healthy appetite for electronica. Neither is opposed to getting funky on occasion.
The result of all of this is The Wayside Shakeup, a debut album that explores as many genres as two guys with acoustic guitars dared. Ranging from shameless pop to wobbly blues, the collection offers a cross-section of acoustic-based songs tied together by players who wanted, simply, to make music that they would want to listen to. Groove out, belt out, chill out. The hooks are there to do with as you please, so feel free to sing along.
Joe Divita contributed strong performances on drums and bass, “Weird” Dave Kovalik also helped out with bass, and Eric Raible stepped in on keys. Dave Downham of Gradwell House Studios in Haddon Heights, NJ, produced and engineered. The rest is Chris and Rob. Enjoy.
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