If you have ever been the one to discover something before it became popular such as a restaurant or a great book than you can understand what I felt when I listened to The Sights for the first time. This trio hailing from Detroit, Michigan shows a lot of promise in its self-titled third release and first major label release. With Eddie Baranek on vocals and guitar, Mike Trombley on drums, and Bobby Emmett on organs and bass, the band seems to have found a working formula after a revolving door of band members since its inception in 1998. In 2004, James Iha, formerly of The Smashing Pumpkins signed The Sights to his own Scratchie Records and its parent New Line Records
The Sights mixes a good blend of music styles such as punk, psychedelic, and even a little honky-tonk. The playing on the album caught me by surprise. The songs, for the most part are very well put together with some good jamming and soloing. One track that caught my interest was “Waiting On A Friend.” With the slide guitar and upright piano in the background, it sounds as if it could have been played in and bar in Texas. The song then fades out into a nice, albeit tame jam. The playing is tight and everyone seems to be on the same page. Trombley adds some nice fillers as Baranek and Emmett play the song out.
Another song that shows the band’s budding versatility is the poppy “Baby’s Knocking Me Down.” The use of the organ on this track harkens back to the music coming out of England in the late 60’s. The guitar sounds a bit like “Penny Lane” and the singing reminded me of Pink Floyd’s early days as they switched from Syd Barrett to David Gilmore- very monotone and almost chanting over the music, instead of singing.
Throughout the album, The Sights give hints as to what they may be capable of in the future. Their song structures are tight and put together well and their lyrics are easy to listen to and understand. They harmonize well, too.
There is a lot of energy being put out on this album and shows that their live show may be something worth catching, at least while they are playing in smaller venues and clubs. Soon you may be sighting these guys in larger venues and festivals and you can say, “I saw them before they became popular.” |