Storyhill's debut Red House Records release is a perfect blend of Americana, folk and pop. The self-titled, largely acoustic release finds the band at the top of their game - the result is easily their most accomplishe... more »d and realized album to date. Featuring Chris Cunningham and John Hermanson, the acoustic duo's sharp, observant songwriting creates instantly-memorable tunes lofted by soaring, brother-like harmonies. With voices reminiscent of The Everly Brothers and Simon & Garfunkel, they create a sound both classic and completely fresh, while recalling the early alt-country feel of The Jayhawks. Storyhill has a deep appreciation for many musical styles--rock, roots, blues and country. Mixing those influences with their own unique sound, they have grown an impressive fan base that includes a wide variety of music lovers. Infectious melodies and captivating performances have made them favorites at clubs and theaters across the country and have earned them high praise from fellow musicians and critics. Produced by Dan Wilson (Semisonic, Dixie Chicks, Trip Shakespeare), Storyhill was recorded in Minneapolis and captures a great live energy. While the album is largely acoustic, Wilson provides some piano, bass and guitar parts, and Eric Fawcett (N.E.R.D., Mike Doughty, Spymob) plays drums and percussion, adding subtle textures and nice drive to Storyhill's 11 original tracks. The songs weave in and out of hope and sadness, ranging from thoughtful ballads ("Give Up the Ghost," "Fallen") to up-tempo pop tunes ("Ballad of Joe Snowboard," "Love Will Find You," "Sacramento"). The bittersweet "Blazing Out of Sight" recalls a short-lived love while "Paradise Lost" laments the increasing development in the Story Hills above Bozeman, Montana, where both Chris and John grew up. Refreshingly melodic, the songs on Storyhill are original yet comfortable, fitting like a favorite pair of jeans.« less
Storyhill's debut Red House Records release is a perfect blend of Americana, folk and pop. The self-titled, largely acoustic release finds the band at the top of their game - the result is easily their most accomplished and realized album to date. Featuring Chris Cunningham and John Hermanson, the acoustic duo's sharp, observant songwriting creates instantly-memorable tunes lofted by soaring, brother-like harmonies. With voices reminiscent of The Everly Brothers and Simon & Garfunkel, they create a sound both classic and completely fresh, while recalling the early alt-country feel of The Jayhawks. Storyhill has a deep appreciation for many musical styles--rock, roots, blues and country. Mixing those influences with their own unique sound, they have grown an impressive fan base that includes a wide variety of music lovers. Infectious melodies and captivating performances have made them favorites at clubs and theaters across the country and have earned them high praise from fellow musicians and critics. Produced by Dan Wilson (Semisonic, Dixie Chicks, Trip Shakespeare), Storyhill was recorded in Minneapolis and captures a great live energy. While the album is largely acoustic, Wilson provides some piano, bass and guitar parts, and Eric Fawcett (N.E.R.D., Mike Doughty, Spymob) plays drums and percussion, adding subtle textures and nice drive to Storyhill's 11 original tracks. The songs weave in and out of hope and sadness, ranging from thoughtful ballads ("Give Up the Ghost," "Fallen") to up-tempo pop tunes ("Ballad of Joe Snowboard," "Love Will Find You," "Sacramento"). The bittersweet "Blazing Out of Sight" recalls a short-lived love while "Paradise Lost" laments the increasing development in the Story Hills above Bozeman, Montana, where both Chris and John grew up. Refreshingly melodic, the songs on Storyhill are original yet comfortable, fitting like a favorite pair of jeans.
"If you've never heard Storyhill, buy this album immediately. You won't take it out of your cd player anytime soon.
If you're already a fan, you know that Chris & John's amazing lyrics and guitar stylings will haunt you as they have me for 10 years. This album won't disappoint you!"
John Denver meets Simon and Garfunkle
Alydar | New York | 11/30/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I drive daily and play this cd on the way into work and it never fails to put me in a great mood. The nasal high pitched quality of John Denver and the harmonies of S & G ring throughout this disc. But the real shining star is the songwriting. From the first song, you will be hooked. I'm buying 10 copies for Christmas gifts for my travelling folkie friends. What a great gift. By the way, they even sound better on the way home from work. Don't walk - run and get this CD."
Plaintive lyrics, sweet guitar work, and amazing harmonies
Pete Welle | 04/04/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Now in their thirties, they have signed their first contract with a record label to put out their new self-titled album. This new record was produced by Dan Wilson (Semisonic) and I was blown away by how beautiful it was. Listening to the opening track, I was stunned by the intimacy of the vocals and guitars, but was pleased that the recordings aren't precious with the songs. The album features plaintive lyrics, sweet guitar work, and amazing harmonies throughout. Definitely my favorite of the year. Be sure to pick it up when it comes out nationwide on February 13th.
Peter Welle
"
House Concert Heaven
Artmarcia | Derby, KS | 08/21/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Last Saturday I attended a house concert in Wichita, Kansas of the duo, Storyhill. I had never heard of this group before, but they came highly recommended. All of us were completely blown away by the harmonies, the lyrics, the melodies and the instrumentation of the songs, many of which are on this CD. I purchased the CD at the concert and have listened to it over and over in the past three days. Treat yourself--discover Storyhill!"
Unclouded Sky
Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 06/29/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Storyhill's self-titled Red House CD is a brilliant set that displays strong songwriting, great harmonies, expressive vocals, and acoustic-based music. The opener "Give Up the Ghost" boasts a lovely melody and such exquisitely lovely harmonies, "It's just the humming of the highway, Don't know where you're running to, Don't know how to help you, Storm is coming, Find your way back to the shore, I've loved before, Love you the most." The second track "Paradise Lost" has a unique melody and speaks to me of trying to find the values from decades past in our busy modern lives, "Everybody wants a piece of Paradise, a house upon the hill with a view of heaven." My very favorite track is "Highlight" that celebrates the joys of true love, "There's something even greater weaving us together; Unseen, the tie that binds us; Unknown, the path before us; Unclouded, the sky above; An unbelievable love." "Fallen" is a very sweet track with a lovely melody and the Storyhill treatment that polishes it into a gorgeous track, "So many years, I've been sleep walking; I'm someone else; I don't know who; I've handed in my two-week notice; Still don't know what I'm going to do." Other tracks like "Sacramento" and "Happy Man" are incredibly strong. This is one of my favorite CDs of 2007. Bravo!"