CD Reviews- The Band Perry EP

The Background:
The Band Perry classify their music as a cross pollination of country and rock and roll, which is exactly the way they were raised, and how they came to love to play music. The sibling-trio from Mobile, Alabama features Kimberly, Neil, and Reid Perry, and their story resembles the feel-good saga of a group of talented musicians who dream big, play hard, and, with a little bit of luck, get their shot at the big time.

After signing to Republic Nashville in 2009, TBP has just released their self-titled debut E.P. It’s been a long journey for the Alabama trio, and with their fresh, upbeat twist on the collaboration of country and rock and roll, The Band Perry just might be around for awhile.

The Review:
Debut releases from new artists are always a challenge to critique. It’s difficult to discern what has been influenced by the label and which elements are independent of the artist’s thinking. With a shortened release, such The Band Perry’s E.P., it is a challenge for the artist(s) themselves to display their talents and strengths, as well as their musical diversity, all in a matter of five or six tracks.

The disc first and foremost includes the title track, an upbeat number that will be bobbing and weaving its way through radios everywhere. Kimberly Perry’s smooth yet sassy vocals soar slightly above the accompanying twang-rock influenced melody of brothers Neil and Reid. Similar to the lead single is the final track on the disc, “Quittin’ You,” another attitude-driven tune telling a “learned-my-lesson” tale of a troublesome past relationship.

TBP attempts to prove their diversity on their debut as well, slowing it down with a couple numbers in the middle of the disc. Most notable is “Postcard From Paris,” which features a slowed, somber-reminiscing verse that evolves into a resoundingly flamboyant chorus. This is also the case with the disc’s fourth track, “All Your Life.” While these tunes are both fairly strong, they’re almost too similar to one another, thus diminishing the novelty of both songs.

Overall, this is a solid debut from The Band Perry…at least for an abbreviated album. I can’t help but wonder how the rest of the disc would be if it were to run another five or six tracks, which will be the case for a full length release. Still, the E.P. does a satisfactory job at delivering a catchy radio single, while also offering a limited selection of both upbeat and lulled selections. TBP’s debut has undoubtedly put the Alabama trio on the country music map; the only question is how far it will take them.

Sounds Like:
Heidi Newfield Sass Along “Old-School” Lady Antebellum

Track Highlights:
“Hip To My Heart”
“Postcard From Paris”
“Quittin’ You”

The Verdict:
Three Stars Out Of Five

Review by Chad Carlson. Chad is the Editor of SteelTownRock.com, Pittsburgh’s New Music Authority. To contact Chad, reach out to him at chad.carlson(at)steeltownrock.com