Music Review: The Rounders - Wish I Had You - Page 2

The unquestioned highlight of the album is “Through No Fault of My Own.” The band must have known they were on to something, allowing it to stretch longer than any other song on the album. The guitars snarl more, and so does Whitten's voice. His vocal and Dustin Arbuckle's harmonica howl righteously, both touched up with some effects. This is a contender for song of the year.

The guitars on the title track are thicker than those on “God Knows I'm Trying,” but it is by no means hard rock. “Wish I Had You” is another slow burner, similarly drummed. These songs never become showcases for flashy solos or mindless noodling despite the presence of two guitars. The interplay on “My Getaway” is a little more interesting, but the vocal and the song are a bit more generic.

The knock on The Rounders is that they will sink or swim on the strength of their songs. Whitten has some great vocals on the album, but he doesn't have the kind of superstar voice that can elevate average material. Similarly, the musicians either can't or choose not to let loose. That absence of bombast can be refreshing when a song is interesting enough on its own merits, but it can be boring when there's nothing to generate any kind of spark.

There are enough good things about this record and enough good songs to recommend it.  There's enough promise to think their next effort might be even better.

Page 1 — Page 2

Article tags

Spread the word
Bookmark and Share
Profile image for josh-hathaway

Article Author: Josh Hathaway

Josh Hathaway began with Blogcritics in August 2004 and served as writer, editor, and also hosted the beloved but short-lived BC Radio podcast. He also founded the music web site BlindedBySound.com. Follow me on Twitter …

Visit Josh Hathaway's author pageJosh Hathaway's Blog

Read comments on this article, and add some feedback of your own
  • No image found

Article comments

  • 1 - A.L. Harper

    Apr 19, 2007 at 9:50 am

    You are such a reviewing stud Josh. Will you have my babies?

  • 2 - Josh

    Apr 19, 2007 at 9:58 am

    Biologically impossible, but I am every bit the Review Stud. You're a clown, A.L., thanks for reading.

  • 3 - Oklahoma Rock

    Apr 20, 2007 at 2:44 pm

    Thanks for reviewing The Rounders!

Add your comment, speak your mind

Personal attacks are NOT allowed.
Please read our comment policy.
Please preview your comment.

blogcritics lists for May 27, 2012

fresh articles Most recent articles site-wide

fresh comments Most recent comments site-wide

most comments Most comments in 24hrs

top writers Most prolific Blogcritics for April

top commenters Most prolific Commenters in 24 hrs