Search - Strangefolk :: Open Road

So long, reid......

M. Pagano | s. jerz | 08/30/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"to echo some of the reviews posted about this band, past the reid g. era, they are certainly a much different band than they were in the mid to late 90's. with this album. they have a more centered approach, as the vocal duties are shared and swapped from song to song. while strangefolk was reid's band, more or less, his escape allows the other members (particularly j. trafton) to step foward and shine. new vocalist patchen, is quite good, different but good. I was quite conflicted when reid left and the band decided to continue, I didn't know what to think but after seeing them live a few time post-reid, my mind was made up (including a smokin' show at the stone pony in asbury park about 3 summers ago). this album compliments the bands new lineup and proves that, with or without reid, they can still play their funk/groove/rock style with the best of them. highlights on this disc include: leave a message, criminal, and house of pearl. laid back, relaxing rock with soulful beats, this band still tops anything they do in the studio on stage, but I recommend both seeing them and buying this album."

New singer is beter.

Golf God | Orlando, Fla. | 02/19/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I liked this band alot before, but i really like them now with new vocalist Patchen. Pick it up great stuff."

Strangefolk loses its way

cgriff | Minnesota USA | 12/17/2003

(2 out of 5 stars)

"For anyone who knew Strangefolk back in the 1990's: approach this record (and this incarnation of the band) with caution. Reid Genauer is gone, replaced with a new singer/guitarist who sounds like a classic-rock karaoke singer and brays like an injured mountain goat. The magic of the original Strangefolk lineup came from Reid's thoughtful songwriting and soulful singing, Jon Trafton's inventive guitar, and the band's tight grooves. Now Reid is gone. Trafton doesn't show much of the fire that he once had. On the plus side, the band can still kick a groove and Luke Smith remains the best drummer in the genre. But without a compelling story to tell or even a heartfelt emotion to convey, this new Strangefolk has become just another neo-hippie jam band on the fraternity circuit. Bottom line: If you were into the band for the grooves then this record will probably suit you. If you were into them for the songs, you'll have better luck with Reid Genauer's post-Strangefolk solo work."