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Agents' Music Captures New Sound: Richmond-based band blends diverse sounds on its unique, singular album By: Brian Haluska, Cavalier Daily Associate Editor - 3/24/98 Every year, it seems music companies anoint a new Virginia-based band with a record deal. In most cases, the band ends up playing local clubs again in a year due to lack of national sales. The glaring factor that contributes to the continual failure of local talent is the lack of a definitive style. But the Richmond-based band Agents of Good Roots utilizes many influences to create a brand of music that is both unique and approachable. The group is performing at Trax this Thursday to accompany their new album "One by One," being released on RCA records today. Already, the Agents are feeling the effects of success. The video for "Come On," a song off the album, made and appearance on the MTV program 120 minutes last week, and "Smiling up the Frown" is competing with Eric Clapton and The Verve at the top of the alternative adult contemporary radio charts. Expectations are high for the band, and its members are cautiously optimistic. "We're taking every step as it comes," said bass player Stewart Myers in a phone interview with The Cavalier Daily Friday. The album reflects the talents of the members of the group. Particularly intriguing are the lyrics sung by frontman Andrew Winn and the use of saxophone player J.C. Kuhl. Winn's raspy voice came about via a skiing accident when he was 14 years old, and brings a mystique to the Agents' sound. Meanwhile, Kuhl's styling is used in a different role than most bands with saxophone players. Myers said the band has "two guitar lines trying to blend the sound with the rest of the band and using it as a counterpoint." The harmony involved in the Agents' music is best demonstrated by the wide variety of tempos and genres expressed on "One byOne." The record opens with "Come On," the current alt-rock release that now is receiving airplay around the region. The song starts the CD with flair, but does not indicate what is to come. Myers said the album is divided into three separate areas, "slower ballads, medium pace songs and in-your-face rockers." "Come On" definitely is a rocker, complete with a catchy refrain that certainly will find its way into listeners' memories. The CD takes on a different mood with "Upspin," an upbeat, R & B based song. The lyrics express a cheerful view of the world and nature. The Agents of Good Roots do not stop at soul-drenched anthems, however. They also dabble in folk music with "Miss Misbelieving." The band does the genre justice, using lyrics that reflect the narrator's feelings toward the subject. The best tandem of tracks, however, comes early in the album, with the rocking "Two Bucks in Cash," followed by the slightly slower "Miss America." Both songs demonstrate the Agents' hopes that the rock aspects of their style will entice listeners. "Two Bucks" moves at a high speed, forming a tight song that carries the listener along. "Miss America" starts slowly, featuring decipherable verses, before kicking into a chorus that fits the song's "Miss America is rock 'n' roll" theme. The blend of influences and particular styles on the album can be attributed to the backgrounds of the members. Myers summed up the band's writing process in comparison with other successful bands. "Other bands have one or two good songs on a record, and the rest is filler. We got rid of that filler and picked our best songs for the album," he said. The work the group put into writing "One by One" shows through the flow of the album, another aspect the Agents took into account when setting down the order of the tracks on the disc. "We're not worried about fans getting the wrong impression from our current work. The album has its ups and downs, it kind of flows, and it kind of doesn't. In the end, I believe it will be received well by the fans, Myers said. Fans may not recognize the sound of the Agents, taking previous work nto consideration. Myers said that a lot of tricks and tools are available in the studio that are not on the live stage. "I think some fans may be blown away, both positively and negatively. This disc is different than any we have ever released," he said. Agents fans can expect a different atmosphere at Trax Thursday. "We're looking to do more jamming than the album suggests. The show will have a lot of energy, but it requires a different touch than the record," Myers said. After the debut of "One by One," the Agents will begin a national tour in June. Along the way, they will open for several large acts in addition to their own shows. Myers had no doubts about the goals of the band for the next year. "We're looking to go national," he said. From the current picture, the outlook for the group is definitely promising. Return to Agents of Good Roots Page About LOTD Contact/Staff Advertise Home All content © LEFT OFF THE DIAL 2001-2005. All rights reserved. |
