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EP REVIEW: Gatsby’s Green Light - Gatsby's Green Light
By Cyrus Rhodes - 06/10/2013 - 04:44 PM EDT

Artist: Gatsby’s Green Light
Album: Gatsby’s Green Light
Label: Independent Artist
Website: http://www.reverbnation.com/gatsbygreenlight
Genre: Acoustic folk/pop
Sounds Like: Dave Mathews Band, Fleet Foxes, David Byrne, Morrissey, They Might Be Giants
Technical Grade: 9/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 9/10
Commercial Value: 7/10
Overall Talent Level: 9/10
Songwriting Skills: 9/10
Performance Skill: 9/10
Best Songs: Catwalk of Life, Comedian, Annalle (LIVE)
Weakness: Short sided studio tracks
CD Review: If Joseph Campbell and The Grateful Dead put on Pink Floyd’s, The Wall, you’d get Gatsby’s Green Light. An engaging blend of funk, Americana and theatre music we like to call EarthFunk. 30% of music sales go to sustainable living organizations. Band members consist of :Ken Coulson - Voice, Guitar, Ukuele, Banjo; Hari Ganglberger - Drums; Lucas Gould - Bass, Guitars; William Earley – Guitar.

The EP kicks things off with “Annalee” an upbeat intro piece that serves up classic ambience painted against slamming Celtic fretwork, rich harmonies and hooky melody from Coulson and company. Track 2 “Harkin” keeps things moving with its smooth flowing rhythm, well palced horns, impressive rhythm section and classic Americana groove. Track 3 The Queen” shifts gears down a notch with methodical guitar intro painted against passionate vocals from Coulson that flows and ebbs its way through to emotional fruition. As this EP slowly unfolds I can hear many different musical soundscapes reminiscent of classic acts like Dave Mathews Band, Fleet Foxes, David Byrne, Morrissey and They Might Be Giants. The music itself is an eccentric blend of modern acoustic folk, with Americana roots with an unmistakable Alternative Rock vibe with hints of Folk and Earthy Celtic Pop. The musicianship of all the players involved is very impressive. Coulson brings a slew of World Class payers via is live recordings. You will notice lush layers of instrumentation layered everywhere, from impressive solo guitar, well placed harmonies and horns, impressive Celtic ambience, thick harmonies all built upon a world class rhythm section. But the most impressive thing about Coulson is his guitar playing, songwriting prowess and amazing musical personality. The EP ends with 3 amazing live tracks “Catwalk of Life, ”Comedian” and “Annalle”  the perfect finale statements for an EP like this.  

Track 2 and 3 sounds like incomplete musical statements to me. After listening to the EP as a whole I realized the live tracks made the best impression. Perhaps Gatsby’s Green Light. should just let down their hair and release a live CD. Live recordings are like capturing lighting in a bottle and there’s plenty of that to go around as this EP finishes strong. There is a lot of energy delivered on the final 3 tracks.. I typically deduct 1 star for EP releases. The full length CD is the best snapshot to judge an artists by at any given time.  

From start to finish Gatsby’s Green Lightis one impressive musical teaser. The music is consistent, uplifting, quirky, eccentric interesting, and extremely entertaining. Note for note, song for song there isn’t really a weak piece on this entire catalog. The writing and playing abilities of this band are rock solid. The lyrics are catchy and the melodies are well crafted and hooky. Last but not least the songwriting, vocal presence and guitar playing from front Ken is world-class. It’s no wonder Jim Gallant is as popular as he is out east.  


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