The Greenhornes
Issue #25
East Grand Blues EP (Prize Brigade/V2)
By Elizabeth Rhodes
Published: September 1st, 2005 | 4:27pm
The Greenhornes do such a strong imitation of ’60s psychedelia and British invasion that you may feel like you’ve heard the songs on East Grand Blues before. Although their Brendan Benson-produced EP is full of remarkably tight, blues-inspired pop songs, these Cincinnati garage rock revivalists have yet to find their own sound.
Craig Fox (vocals/guitar), Patrick Keeler (drums), and Jack Lawrence (bass) are part of the garage vanguard that includes the Mooney Suzuki and the White Stripes –– who they’re touring with this fall. More pop-oriented than their peers, the Greenhornes feature sweet vocal harmonies and conventional lyrics. They also wear their influences on their sleeve; “A Shelter Of Your Arms” is practically a Doors song without the organ. The Byrds and the Kinks also turn up in different guises but without the energy of the originals.
A number of great bands start out imitating their favorite groups and eventually develop their own sound. The Greenhornes haven’t done that yet, but their songwriting ability can’t be denied.
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