Amanda Overmyer was, simply put, one of the most interesting contestants on the seventh season of American Idol. Her bluesy, Joplinesque wail provided an authentic blast of retro-rock on a program dominated by more technically polished voices. Upon her disappointingly early departure, I wondered what kind of album she would make if given the opportunity. Solidify answers that question with a resounding full-frontal assault of old fashioned, in-your-face, ass-kicking rock 'n' roll.
Overmyer sings the holy hell out of these twelve songs, all of which are her own original compositions. For all the "ballads are boring" bluster she displayed on Idol, there's a nice mix of slower tunes to compliment the rowdy stuff. In fact, album highlights like "Play On" and "Lay It Down" might've been exactly what Paula Abdul had in mind when she expressed a desire to hear Overmyer tackle a more tender, nuanced song. Her voice is always at the forefront, and she digs in with the fervor of a soul possessed by the music. The songs aren't all riff rock shouters, either. "Fight Like a Son," a proudly pro-military anthem, is a well-constructed pop tune with a strong hook. "Iroquois Lane" is an intriguing story song with an evocative lyric. The album closer "Pray" is a low-key bit of folk pop, with Overmyer accompanied only by acoustic guitars.
Her backing musicians give the album plenty of authentic rock bite. Producer Rocco Guarino cooks up a tasty stew that manages to stay mostly rooted in southern rock, while still sounding contemporary. Cozy Johnson, who used to drum for Black Oak Arkansas, sits behind the kit for most of Solidify and is a driving force throughout. On "Varmint Rifle," he downshifts dexterously from the hard-swinging boogie of the verses to the swampy, molasses-thick chorus. Brian Bundy handles most of the impressive bass work. Justin "King" Richard and Bartek Michael contribute most of the incisive guitar leads. In short, this isn't homogenized 'modern rock' with AC-crossover potential. This stuff is the real thing.
Article comments
1 - Chris Johnson
I too thought Amanda left way too early on American Idol. I was hoping she'd at least make the tour. I did buy her album off of itunes and I love it!! Worth every penny.
2 - Gabe
I agree. I decided to check out a few of these songs just to see what kind of album she put out. Well I can honestly say I was blown away. This is real good music.
It's like Janis Joplin all over again. I really hope this music gets heard.
And I should add for anyone reading this, I was not a huge fan of hers on the show. But I did find her interesting and different.
Just check out "Play On" and tell me if this girl doesn't have the goods to have a life long career in music.
3 - Concert Promoter
Everyone wants a piece of this woman. She is a BIKER CHICK and is not an American Idol type. She is even better LIVE on stage in concerts then she sounds in her Album! She is HOT HOT HOT! She was just booked at the STURGIS BIKE RALLY at the Full Throttle Saloon, the World's Largest Biker Saloon of 15,000 people, on August 6 and 7, 2009 and this should be showing up shortly on her own website.
4 - 60sGirl
This is the BEST article I have read on Amanda. "..she digs in with the ferver of a soul possessed by music." Brilliant description!! This is so true. It comes through on the album but her LIVE performances are BAD ASS!!! Go see her live people.
Looking forward to album #2.