Press
Reviews of “Every Town…”
* Meadville Tribune (local newspaper) - November 4, 1999
Emo me!
A local band that’s sure to please
By Breonna Krafft
Recently my ears have been blessed with not only the sounds of a great new band, but with a new kind of music as well. The Walnut Street Project has introduced me a style called emo. Their new album, entitled “Every Town…” has proved to be more that I expected. The album contains eight songs, starting with an extremely well-played instrumental “Slumber Party.” The chords and rhythms of this piece are unique and they set the listener up for the rest of the album, which only gets better.
In the second track, listeners are introduced to the wonderful voice of Diana Babbitt whose vocals add to the songs’ lyrics, which are unlike any I’ve heard before, and make a truly original sound.
Throughout the album, the quality of music never decreases. Although there are songs which I like more than others, none of them are disappointing. Along with Diana, band members Jeremy Gracik, Alan Higby, Troy Messerall and Chris Moore manage to keep the sound an enjoyable experience throughout each song.
The lyrics also give something special to the group. They are all written by the members, and because of this not only do they sound good, they are easy to relate to. At least one of their songs is sure to remind you of something that has happened in your own life. For me, this song was “Night and Day,” the first song on the second side of the album. It is not easy to find a group whose music is not only nice to listen to, but means something. Groups like this are rare, and The Walnut Street Project is definitely one of them.
Though I have been somewhat absent from the local scene recently, The Walnut Street Project is one of the better bands I’ve heard.
Not only would I recommend the album to anyone, I also recommend that you see them live. Their next show is Saturday from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Woodcock Township Building where they will join Bobbykork, (the) Control Group, The El Camino Club of Southwest Pennsylvania, and the Pseudo Heroes. The night should prove to be enjoyable, and I encourage all to check it out.
* HeartattaCk #25 - February 2000
This LP contains eight tracks of gentle strum rock that would not feel out of place on the Harriet Records or K labels. A relaxed mood pervades the songs with dual guitars picked and strummed over the keen rhythm section. The woman singing has a wonderful voice that works as an instrument within the music. The words look at relationships with a blend of sadness and hope ending the LP with the lines, “I know we’ll make it, we’re under the same sky.” All together The Walnut Street Project have created an LP of warm, friendly, and fresh music. SJS
Maybe I can relate to this just because one of the RITH houses is a Walnut Street Project as well. Great (and limited!) packaging here. 4 guys and a girl playing jangley acoustic indie rock. She sings and they fill the rest in with the aforementioned jangley-ness and a good musical backdrop that even tends to resemble CHRISTIE FRONT DRIVE! When the guitars click in and hit their driving peaks focused on basically the same couple of notes, the CFD sound shines through like the Colorado sun after a spring snowstorm. SW
Reviews of “Magic In Patterns”
* HeartattaCk #28 - November 2000
Double-album length debut from Meadville pop concern the Walnut Street Project. Like some bands on Chumpire, Greg Knowles actually plays with these kids. Derivative, yet earnest pop in the vein of Sunny Day, Discount, and the Rainer Maria, with well-sung female vocals. Good production brings out whatever angst these songs can maintain. Very well-orchestrated and executed, but the overall length (16 songs at 67 minutes) really cuts down on listenability. Broken up into separate tracks, however, you’ll be a big fan if you like any of the bands I’ve mentioned. For what Greg’s asking, you’d be stupid to pass on this. DM
* Impact Press - October/November 2000
You know the whole “can’t judge a book by it’s cover” thing? I say posh to that. When I picked this up I said “emo” and emo is what it is. It’s a bit poppier though. They remind me of Plumb at times. The music is solid and they have some real nice, tight hooks. My advice to the band is to turn down the lead vocalist’s mic. Not because she’s bad but she comes through a bit loud (she’s awfully cute, too!). I know the band couldn’t give a rat’s ass what I think about the mix on their CD, and I really do think they’re good, I’m just trying to help. I think it would give their sound a more somber feel, especially on a track like “Turner Station.” Then again, maybe they aren’t going for a more somber feel. Never mind, I’m just going to shut up now.
