River City Extension

by | Jul 11, 2012 | Reviews

“Catchy, quirky and upbeat”

Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Your Anger

Toms River, NJ

(XOXO Records/Anchor & Hope Music)

River City Extension may hail from Toms River, NJ, but don’t expect them to sound like a typical Jersey rock band. They feature a unique blend of indie rock infused with folk and country elements, all from a roster of eight members and featuring, at times, many other guests. Their current release, Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Your Anger, is far from a sophomore slump.

The first track, “Glastonbury,” starts the album off on a somber tone that also draws the listener into a journey that sounds like it would properly accompany a trip to the frontier. Other highlights include “Welcome to Pittsburgh,” which the band used as the album’s promo track on their website before it was released. It has a fun summer feel with a Beach Boys vibe to it. Following “Welcome” is a very catchy, quirky and upbeat piano-rock number, “Point of Surrender,” that features everything you’d want in a rock song including harmonized vocals, hand-claps, tambourines, a banjo, and a guitar solo. They bring it back down afterwards with “Standing Outside a Southern Riot,” a mid-tempo ballad reminiscent of songs from the Eels’ album Daisies of the Galaxy.

Overall, there are a slew of really good songs and a few not so memorable ones. This 14-track follow-up from River City Extension leaves a good impression and it seems like a step in the right direction for the band. Look for them performing live in PA, MA, and NY in July.

Produced by Brian Deck

www.rivercityextension.com