Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

  Wow!  The ‘70s are back and how!  This is a classic American rock sound with a bit of country and Spin Doctors thrown in and boy does it work.  Like the Jason Ingram Band, Sycamore build their sound around some strong guitar and vocal harmony work and the ripples of interest that this independent band are causing in the USA are well deserved.  The opening title track may sound like a trip back in time and the perfect rock’n’roll to hear on a long journey but even after such a strong start it breaks out into the funkier “You Are So Beautiful” and the more intense “I’m Up”.  Here is a band who clearly know how to have a good time!  They’re also not afraid to show their more sensitive side on the more rootsy acoustic “The First Step” (which has echoes of Extreme) and the closing “Bridegroom”.  There are touches of jangly ‘90s indie creeping into the atmospheric “Breathe” and “Into The Sea” giving the songs a curious blend.  This is a top quality independent release.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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