reviews for Haywire

"Reading the lyrics in the liner notes of Frog Holler's fourth full-length disc is nearly as rewarding as listening to the album. Songwriter and vocalist Darren Schlappich is a real-deal storyteller, mixing everyday language and creative phrasing to produce vivid, exciting images that make you smile, tug on your heart, offer hard-earned wisdom - or do all three. "The backwardists have tried to pull me into the dark, but if I'm looking ahead, will it tear us apart?" he ponders on the anxiety-ridden "74". "Tell me what you think and don't apologize, or turn it all around; I call that truthing a lie." Sweet melodies, rock crunch, and varied instrumentation, including lap steel and banjo, merge with Schlappich's infectiously lazy drawl to make songs you can't get out of your head. Guitarist John Kilgore and steel guitarist Todd Bartolo shine on the distortion-friendly rave-up "One Last Time". "Terms and Conditions" is a bluegrassy number, but with a Frog Holler spin that makes it accessible even if you never heard of Flatt & Scruggs. All this band has to offer is talent, great songs, and consistency. - Andy Turner No Depression #62 Mar/Apr '06

"Frog Holler create some of the best Americana/alt-country ever committed to tape, the sextet has perfected a sound that improves upon the promise of Uncle Tupelo and early Eagles. Frog Holler deliver country music free of an convention, and with no fear of employing a little rock-n-roll whren necessary. Haywire captures a band that's fully matured, sparkling with creativity and planning to age with dignity." - Mark Polzin Discoveries

A lot of bands are experimenting with Neil Young's country-folk-rock fusion, trying to capture that elusive mix of unguarded lyricism and fuzzy-amped aggression. None of them have done it better than Frog Holler, a sextet laboring in near obscurity in northeastern Pennsylvania, and never has Frog Holler done it better than on its new album, "Haywire." Key to the sound is the way lead guitarist John Kilgore and lap steel guitarist Todd Bartolo (who also leads the Youngers, a like-minded band) can narrow their focus to clean, melodic lines or open the iris to crunchy chords or to any nuance in between. The rhythm section can pull back or push forward as needed; Mike Lavdanski adds just enough banjo or accordion and no more. Like a combination of Crazy Horse and the Stray Gators, the band conjures an emotion-charged atmosphere, and Darren Schlappich, the singer-songwriter out front, gives that free-floating feeling a voice. When he struggles through the clouds of guitar distortion on the opening track, "Hades," and asks, "How come there's heaven for us, but not till we die?" you can hear both the hellishness of the current situation and the yearning for something beyond it. On the album's best song, " '74," he begins by singing a lilting folk song about his father killing a snake and his uncle shooing away a bear. "I was seven years old and I couldn't relax," Schlappich sings, "a sign of things to come." And with a rock 'n' roll riff, the song leaps forward to adulthood and the fulfillment of that prophecy." Geoffrey Himes The Washington Post 3/17/06

"Berks County, Pennsylvania lads, Frog Holler are simply the very best unknown jam-country-alt-rockers around." - Andrew Aber The Village Voice

" Progressive Americana that works brooding soundscapes as easily as classic bluegrass, Frog Holler is a panoramic view of all things acoustic based, though the band is capable of expanding into the realm of plugged-in (see the sonic squall the marks the sweeping "One Last Time"). The banjo sparkles on the shuffling "Pepper & Salt" and leavens the boyhood/adulthood juxtaposition of "'74" with an ear-catching shimmer." - Holly Gleason Paste Magazine June/July '06

"It's about time folks start recognizing Pennsylvania's potential as an alt-country mecca ( i lived there 19 years, no one can tell me that state ain't country). But while these boys from the wilds of Reading, Penn., have spent the last handful of years nobly tilling it's rootsy soil, they've ben relegated to underdog status. Yet Frog Holler has managed to cultivate killer cred as a live act of Bottle Rockets proportion. With Haywire, Frog Holler has crafted a recording of mid-paced alt country that details life's smaller pleasures. Frontman Darren Schlappich shows his knack for capturing PA's isolation. "Snowflakes/all melted down the storn grate," he sings in a tone only a Pennsylvanian can deliver, backed by faint banjo, acoustic guitar and pedal steel. They even pay respects their respects to the Greatest Pennsylvanian ever with banjo and pride on "Ben Franklin's Blues" . The vibe is warm, an indoor warm intended for kicking back with a few brews while the bitter wind beats against the windows." Brian J. Barr HARP Magazine June '06

"Haywire delivers a similarly accessible amalgam of alt-country and bar band bravado. It's all life's small moments told with big melody. "Pepper & Salt", "Rat Race", and "On Winter Blues" will have you diluting your suds with saline, And that first cut, "Hades" is pure heaven." - Michael Meade Skyscraper Magazine

"Darren Schlappich writes strong songs the band never fails to breathe lots of life into. Haywire is no exception. Crackling performances plus smart, no frills production equals another fine album. Fine work all around." - Michael Tearson Sing Out! Summer 2006

"The title of the album is "Haywire" but the fifth full length release from Americana rockers Frog Holler is anything but erratic or crazy. Rather, the Berks County-based sextet has released a focused, well-paced set of midtempo rockers and bluegrass stompers. The playing is inspired and loose, the harmonies thick, and the album sounds like a band very sure of itself and having fun making music. Darren Schlappich's lyrics may be peppered with downbeat themes - growing old, arguments, war - but the overarching feel of the album is optimistic, an idea that comes through in the bright arrangements. "One Last Time," has hit single written all over it, with its driving guitar-drenched beat and immensely catchy chorus. Despite the fact that the band has toured the country, the band retains its Berks identity. It's slightly offputting, yet refreshing, to hear the word dutchified pop up on a professional recording."- Jon Fassnacht The Reading Eagle 6/11/06

"The title track “Haywire” is a masterpiece. Frog Holler combine melodic vocals, beautiful, compassionate lyrics, banjo, acoustic, steel and electric guitar in what must be one of the most deceptively intricate songs ever. It starts off as a straight forward acoustic guitar song and slowly builds, adding instruments one after the other until reaching the delightful, arresting harmonious climax. In fact, I think captivating is a very good word for this entire album. Or you could try elaborate, bewitching, charming, creamy, and textured. That pretty much sums up Haywire which is a fabulous indie rock, alt.country future classic. And I believe Frog Holler are destined for greatness". - A. L. Harper Blogcritics.com - full review

"When I listen to this Frog Holler record (or anyone for that matter ) I wonder if and when this fine band will get their due. Not sure if this is lp 4 or 5 but the two that I have(IDIOTS and ADAMS HOTEL ROAD) are full of the kind of heartfelt songwriting (and top-notch melodies) that most bands would kill for. Leader Darren Schlappich seems like an underrated everyman (like a Jay Farrar or Bruce Springsteen – tho’ I’d hardly call The Boss underrated) one who is able to spin yarns (and put them to music ) from everyday heartbreaks and happiness. HAYWIRE seems a bit more rockin’ than the ones I own (which is fine by me) but there’s still the hazy acoustic tunes (“Terms and Conditions” , “On Winter Blues”,etc.) that I know and love. Schlappich and his pals have made another wonderful record and I’m just wondering when the rest of the world will catch up and take notice - Tim Hinely Dagger Magazine

IOTA show review "It was a satisfying night of roots rock at a packed IOTA Saturday, The maturation of headliner Frog Holler is a delight to see and hear. The Berks County, PA band has justifyably developed an avid fan base in the East and Midwest in the last decade. Where the six-piece ensemble formerly depended on the novelty of Mike Lavdanski's rock-style banjo playing to prick up the ears, the band has mellowed somewhat while remaining true to its vision and has never sounded tighter. Singer-songwriter Darren Schlappich has discovered his inner Robert Earl Keen, writing tight songs with loose structures that tell personal stories amid jangly rock settings.Saturday nights set showcased songs from it's fifth album, "Haywire" that brought forth ringing mandolin, banjo and guitar set against galloping rock beats." - Buzz McClain The Washington Post 3/20/06

"That warm 'n' fuzzy feeling for Frog Holler around here has just been officially upgraded to hot 'n' fiery with the arrival of Haywire. Darren Schlappich leads this Pennsylvanian group with an amiable tone and lyrical smarts that'll both wend their way into your head and heart. With your complete approval of course. The band manages to sound both natural and clever through this melody-wise collection of twangy alt. country-pop, roots-rock and folksy acoustic tunes. Twisting on minor with a smoldering sonic edge, Haywire was produced by Brian McTear (The Bigger Lovers, matt pond PA, The Trouble With Sweeney). Along with engineer and co-producer Amy Morrissey (Marissa Nadler), McTear captures the band from one sublime moment to the next, one notable (of many) is the punchy roots-rock gem "Sight Unseen" with its irresistible mantra at the end, "If I told you sight unseen the future's bright would you believe me?" The answer is undoubtedly yes!! Through four LPs and an EP, the band has proved to be infallible, and Haywire, despite its title, is in perfectly good working order". - Robinson, Miles Of Music

- "What would we do without a musical security blanket to fall back on? It's great to have something that warms and reassures no matter how grim the evening news is or who's been screwing up your head; something you can always return to when you need to flush out the bad stuff. Frog Holler's about as close as it gets. These guys never let you down. So, it is pleasing to report that even with an opener (Hades) built around chunky power chords of the type normally reserved to support solid slabs of musical meat such as Pete Townsend's Teenage Wasteland, this latest album keeps that bond intact. I thanked God that the band had headed in the direction I was praying they'd take - the same track but with even more fuel in the boilerhouse. The opener declares more than ever that this is a well-bonded unit that knows where it is going and believes in itself. One Last Time finds them wound up as tight as a coiled spring with crisp and punchy vocal harmonies that recall the sharpest highs of Andy Summers and Sting when they sang So Lonely. After that, there are nine tracks oozing trademark Frog Holler class. Darren Schlappich is the single most important part of that comfort factor. His softly-delivered vocals are ever so appealing. It's as if he's pinched your ear with two fingers like a short-tempered school ma'm and dragged you in closer to pay attention. This is not all Schlappich, however. He has a band to die for. One of the album's great strengths lies in the guitar work, Todd Bartolo and John Kilgore sharing the honours as, snake-like they each wrap breaks around the material to squeeze out the very best and provide a genuine stamp of Frog Holler originality. The others - Daniel Bower, Mike Lavdanski and Josh Sceurman - lubricate and drive the show. This album got me so excited that when I discovered the band planned a New York launch in Manhattan's Rodeo Bar on March 10 there was a quick internet scan to check on the possibility of a cheap flight deal that might just have made it possible to be there. The closest they ever got to these shores was back in 2002 when our more enlightened brothers in The Netherlands proved they had an ear for something 'cut above' and brought them over for some dates. Once HAYWIRE hits anything like the kind of widespread distribution it deserves, we will surely be able to look forward to a UK tour. There's a renewed vigour apparent in the punchy playing and Schlappich has lost none of his observational clout. '74, for instance, all about childhood experiences impacting on developing minds to form how we are as adults, is as clever as anything I've heard for a long time. It's a very sophisticated arrangement too. Listening to the track over and over, the thought occurs that if REM had been as good as this they would have been a GREAT band. Brian Wilson also came filtering across. Sight Unseen is better than your very favourite XTC track, and he takes a typical Schlappich poke at the grey men around him with Ben Franklin's Blues, which, while carrying a message as strong as any, manages a Lindisfarne cheeriness thanks to its Meet Me On The Corner feel. The undercurrent as ever, is dissatisfaction with double standards. Here is a man who has things to get off his chest. Rat Race says it all. I love this album. It's an immense achievement. Keep that radio fine-tuned and get set for an outbreak of Frog Holler mania." Loudon Temple - Maverick #44 Mar '06(UK)

Frog Holler has been playing its trademark brand of Berks County roots-rock for 10 years now, and on the Reading-based band's fifth release, ''Haywire'' (ZoBird), singer-songwriter-guitarist Darren Schlappich's knack for storytelling and pop hooks remains undiminished. Mike Lavdanski's banjo and Todd Bartolo's lap steel guitar and mandolin add a sweetness that both complements and punctuates Schlappich's poetic turns of phrase and quizzical countrified voice. The title track and ''Ben Franklin's Blues'' delve into issues of freedom and war, while on ''Rat Race,'' a disgusted Schlappich sings, ''I won't go to see the same old act put on the same old show/ Don't take me back because nothing's changed/ It's just the same old rats run the same old race.'' However, the best track, ''74,'' underscores Schlappich's gift for storytelling as he connects his present anxiety to childhood incidents such as his father killing a snake that ''threatened'' his mother, and a bear outside his uncle's cabin. ''I was 7 years old, and I couldn't relax, a sign of things to come,'' he sings on the song, that with humor and resignation addresses an underlying apprehensiveness most everyone can relate to. Such poignant songwriting, coupled with music played beautifully, whether bluegrass, alt-country or rock 'n' roll, makes ''Haywire'' an especially welcome release" - Rosemary Pratka The Morning Call

"My biggest problem in writing this review of Frog Holler's excellent new album is how to classify their music. "Alt-country" has become so ubiquitous a tag as to be virtually meaningless these days. And it's too bad one even has to label it, but perhaps countrified alternative rock comes closest. They call it "indie/Americana" in their press release. Haywire is the Reading, Pennsylvania, band's fifth CD, following close on the heels of 2005's EP The High Highs and the Low Lows. As with every one of those albums since their 1998 debut, Haywire is an improvement over its predecessors; this time both sonically and musically. Frontman Darren Schlappich spent more time working out arrangements with drummer Daniel Bower and bassist Josh Sceurman before going into the studio with the rest of the band and producer Brian McTear. The result is a full, rich "rock" sound, fully fleshed-out songs and consistently interesting production. The band really gels as an ensemble behind that rhythm section and Schlappich's lonesome baritone vocals. The twin-guitar attack of John Kilgore and Todd Bartolo propels the songs in all kinds of interesting directions, while Mike Lavdanski's banjo and accordion -- and Bartolo's frequent keening lap steel -- add lots of color. Even more variety comes from occasional touches like Kilgore's soulful organ and Scott White's violin on "Pepper & Salt," and vocal harmonies from engineer Amy Morrissey on two tracks. Schlappich's songwriting, always interesting, has matured impressively, to the point that he can pull off songs like "On Winter Blues" and "Haywire," both of which can be read as either personal ruminations on the nature of love and faith, or political commentary on the current divided state of the union. There's no such use of metaphor on the straightforwardly political "Ben Franklin's Blues," with its call to arms from the birthplace of liberty, "We'd rather be free than tucked in at night." Other high points are the bluegrass-influenced "Terms and Conditions;" the richly poetic "Rat Race," with alternating slow and mid-tempo sections; and the bluesy Stones-like swagger of "Sight Unseen." Cowbell and banjo, a great combination! With Haywire, Frog Holler stands poised to break out from its status as a regional "cult" band onto a larger stage. But regardless of whether it's ever recognized by the larger world, this is a great band making first-rank American music." Gary Whitehouse Green Man Review
Greenmanreview.com Interview with Darren Schlappich

"These lads from Reading, Pa. do their hometown proud by giving us a record made with real sweat and toil, songs carefully made and full of life and love and disappointment and all that good stuff. It'd be easy to call this alt country but "One Last Time" imagines Wayne Gottstine (Sluggos, ex-Split Lip Rayfield) fronting Crazy Horse and "Sight Unseen" could have easily emerged from a collaboration between Big Star's Alex Chilton and Eddie Vedder. Still, the record's most tender and touching moments find their heart while staying close to earth and wood. "Pepper and Salt" has one of the most gorgeous banjo figures in recent memory and the tune sways in all the right places, walking the fine line between victory and defeat; "'74" catalogues those childhood fears that never really fade but instead transform; "On Winter Blues" is simple and pretty and needs no more ornamentation or adjectives heaped upon its brilliant simplicity. If there's anything not to love about this band, it's not evident anywhere in the course of the 50 minutes you spend listening to Haywire, nor the 50 immediately after that. A positively amazing piece of work and one you won't soon forget." - Jedd Beaudoin F5 Wichita

"The Reading, Pa.-based band has moved from the ramshackle homespun charm of earlier recordings to a tighter, more atmospheric sound on the new release, "Haywire." Todd Bartolo's lap-steel guitar is a standout, as are Mike Lavdanski's soaring harmonies" - Mary Houlihan The Chicago Sun-Times

"I feel pretty proud. It's not everyday you discover a young band that makes you immediately stop in your tracks and want nothing more than to hear more music from that particular band. That's how it was when I first heard Frog Holler's "Sleepy Eyes". I was immediately entranced. I felt that the EP that the song was taken from was a very good starting point for the band, and I hoped that as they continued to write and record that they would head in a certain direction, improving on their country roots, neglecting a bit of the rock ethos that was hidden in their songs. I'm very happy to announce that the next record from Pennsylvania's Frog Holler has arrived, and while it is not all country, the rock has developed into a far purer form and has gained Frog holler its own distinctive identity. This is Haywire, and it is filled to the top with alt-country goodness… one hundred percent, my friends. That's good stuff. You will be blessed with the same peace of mind and good feelings that I hold inside my heart thanks to the music contained therein. Long live rock… er, country… whatever." -Embo Blake Hybrid Magazine read full article

"Frog Holler is a damn talented outfit- they slay most of the obvious roots rock bogging down the alt.country charts (whatever the hell those are, anyway), display an amazing understanding of hook vs. substance, and absolutely play the shit outta a passel of instruments.........beats the livin’ shit outta most of the predictable, dried-up country hoo-haw comin’ outta the “alt” market these days. Kudos to Frog Holler, and may the wind take your troubles away, boys ..." -Tom Hallet Pulse of the Twin Cities read full article

Frog Holler set to go Haywire - feature from The Dayton Daily News

"Frog Holler whetted many appetites with their 2004 mini album The High Highs And The Low Lows and it was with great anticipation that I awaited their first full release since 2003. My wait was worth it as I slipped Haywire into my CD player. They have not lost any of their melody, melancholy or their ability to provoke your thoughts. Hades is the first shot across your bows and is power Americana. Darren Schlappich's at times fractured vocal does actually give the impression of the pain of a hell on earth. The harmonies, 3 or 4 part are excellent and give pointers to what is to come. On One Last Time the band cranks up the pace a little and there are tones of country/bluegrass in this rocker. Like the rest of the album this is written by Schlappich. Pepper And Salt has the clever, deep lyrics that I have come to expect from Schlappich and this relationship song throws up lines such as “Both sides were peppered with insults but it was taken with no salt”. It's not all doom and gloom and Terms And Conditions is just pure unadulterated joy. 74 is what Americana is all about and Schlappich shows how good a storyteller he is. This builds up into one of the songs of the album. They are not just one trick ponies and the next three songs go to prove that. On Winter Blues is sleepy, dreamy modern country, the title track is gentle alt. country with the band on top form and Sight Unseen is country rock with stuttering electric guitars. Although each of these songs is country based they are all different in their execution. Ben Franklin Blues is acoustic harmony laden alt. country and is high class whereas Gwendolyn Brown is slow and moody. This shows Schlappich's dark side again and the burgeoning chorus and guitar solo are a delight. The album closes all too soon with Rat Race. There's a bit of bluegrass in this alt. country offering and the lyric “Don't take me back 'cause nothing's changed. It's just the same old rats run the same old race” will make you think. Frog Holler is the thinking man's Americana band and you better believe it." - David Blue NetRhythms (UK)

"Ten years after forming, the Reading outfit Frog Holler have managed to stay together and procure scads of acclaim-from NPR, No Depression, The Washington Post and countless others-thanks largely to the down-home sweetness of their loose, melodic strain of alt-country. But it's also because the guys are genuine, playing what they like instead of burying their instincts in pretense or posturing. Now touring in support of a fifth album Haywire, Frog Holler are making use of their friendly connections. At the Philly-based record release show, producers Brian McTear and Amy Morrissey-who recorded and helped out on Haywire-will open with their own band the Novenas. And the $15 cover includes beer courtesy of Reading's Legacy Brewing Co., the show's sponsor. Having it at South Philly's cozy Indre Studios only intensifies the good vibes. But what exactly does the band sound like? Well, on Haywire, the guys break out banjo, mandolin, harmonies, handclaps, lap steel and all the other elements of a hoedown, while leader Darren Schlappich delivers songs that range from rousing ("Terms and Conditions") to tragic ("'74"). The latter exposes a dark side to the initially harmless Frog Holler, and that's when the album truly gets interesting." -Doug Wallen The Philly Weekly

"Like the title of their song “Pepper and Salt,” the latest from the Pennsylvania Americana band Frog Holler is a study in contrasts. Moving from indie-rock to the edge of bluegrass, the music never loses its rock feel, yet the country-bluegrass instrumentation (banjo, lap steel, and mandolin) never falls into the background. If you only hear the pretty melodies, you’ll never guess the lyrics are full of conflict and turmoil. The upshot is an example of why opposites attracting is a good thing." - Al Kunz Playback StLouis

"Somewhere in the boonies, outside Philadelphia, Frog Holler lurk with Americana reshapen for Dutch Country living. If Uncle Tupelo didn’t have such a nostalgic passion for Acuff-Rose, they might have been Frog Holler. Haywire is rootsy without necessarily being Southern or Southwestern. It pines to be authentic, ya see, but it also knows where you can park off of Market Street and not get bothered by the cops." – Steve Forstneger Illinois Entertainer

"Haywire is the fifth release from Frog Holler, a reputable roots rock band from Reading, Pennsylvania. Celebrated for playing everything from Bluegrass to rollicking porch Americana with ease, the group¹s latest work offers just what has become expected from the fun loving band- warm harmonies, crisp strumming and smart country lyrics all delivered with a reserved grace. Toe-tapping and familiar, each composition is polished with a special twang and bright quality. Show stoppers include "On Winter Blues", which certainly lays on the charm with lap steel and "Ben Franklin Blues" the most endearing and poetic piece." Antonia Santangelo The Big Takeover

"the band comes up with the catchiest songs that they can; there is nary a dud amongst the band’s ten tracks on this album. Throwing a walking style of bass into the mix with “Terms and Conditions”, there is really not a place that Frog Holler can go where they will sound odd or out of place. This is a “junk plate” approach to music that should bring in listeners by the boatful for Frog Holler. So many different influences and styles work together instead of struggle during “Haywire”, as the band coasts through the disc with the greatest of ease. Individuals can play this album over and over and still come up with things that they did not hear on previous spins. Frog Holler is one of the best bands of 2006, and it will only be a short matter of time where their efforts on this and other discs will be awarded by popular acknowledgement of their distinct and fun style." - James McQuiston Editor, NeuFutur

"a cohesive band identity and tight, well honed harmonies, reminiscent at times of Teenage Fanclub. The end result is a warmer, much more commercially aware and purposeful sound than on some of the earlier recordings, and " Haywire" should establish Frog Holler as major players in the alt country premier league." - John Hinshelwood Americana UK

"when Haywire revs up, it really clicks. The title track's a microcosm of the Brian McTear-produced whole, with sighing lap steel giving way to folk-rock bliss as electric guitars swell and backing harmonies fall into place. Everything lines up right on "One Last Time" and "Sight Unseen," near-perfect unions of meaty drums and buzzing, chiming guitars." M J Fine The Philadelphia City Paper

- "All killer no filler!" - CTR Alt Country (Netherlands)

"Welke band is de volgende die thuishoort in het rijtje Uncle Tupelo, Jayhawks, Wilco, Son Volt, Whiskeytown? Het zou Frog Holler wel eens kunnen zijn. Deze band werd tien jaar geleden opgericht door o.a. Darren Slappich en Mike Lavdanski. Sindsdien zijn er een paar nieuwe leden bijgekomen en tegenwoordig opereert Frog Holler als sextet. Met Haywire (Zo Bird Records) leveren zij inmiddels hun vijfde cd af met (om u een idee te geven) klassieke altcountry. Er wordt afgetrapt met twee stevige potjes countryrock, Hades en One Last Time, waarna het gas wordt teruggenomen in het schitterende Pepper & Salt. In Terms & Conditions komt dan het bluegrassverleden om de hoek kijken. Het mooiste lied is misschien toch wel het titelnummer dat hoofdrollen kent voor banjo en lap steel en dat makkelijk in het hoofd blijft hangen. Bovendien kent het een lekker verloop van vrij rustig naar redelijk heftig. Hierna volgt het vet aangezette Sight Unseen, dat weer de rockkant van de groep laat horen. Een bescheiden rockkant overigens; nimmer wordt bij voorbeeld Db Truckerland betreden. Het belangrijkste gegeven van deze cd is toch wel dat de liedjes, zonder enige uitzondering, gewoon kloppen. Dat geldt ook voor de gevarieerde muzikale aankleding en de uitstekende zang. Zulks maakt Haywire een regelrechte aanrader voor iedere lezer van deze site." (Hugo Vogel) Alt Country NL (we're told this is a great review)

- Put six musically inclined guys from Shoemakersville, Pa., together and what do you get? The results are surprising. An alt-country band from Pennsylvania seems like a paradox, but Frog Holler has the Southern twang of a band from the rural Deep South. In Haywire, Frog Holler creates its own genre of music by mixing rock, country, folk and even indie influences. The fifth full-length album from the guys is filled with songs about the hard times working-class people deal with in everyday life. Haywire is incredibly refreshing in a musical era in which most lyrics are redundant and stale. Instead of singing about specific events and relationships, Frog Holler sings about life in general. The first track, "Hades," offers simple yet poignant lyrics: "How come there's heaven for us/But not 'til we die/Meanwhile there's Hades for us/While we're alive." A listener can easily place himself in the artists' shoes, and most anyone can relate to the lyrics in some way. The songs elicit memories of past relationships and life experiences - which is the key to a good record. Six members seems a little excessive, but while they would crowd a stage, the sound comes out smooth in production. Frog Holler incorporates a massive list of instruments including everything from mandolin to electric piano. The sound is unique, and although a couple of the songs are slow-moving, it's a thoroughly enjoyable album that keeps your attention throughout. Frog Holler is an obscure band that probably never will make it big because its sound isn't mainstream enough. That's a good thing, though - its main appeal is its hometown feel. Pick up a copy of the album. You'll be in on the secret that is the subtle greatness of Frog Holler. - The Daily Tarheel (NC)

Reviews for The High, high's and Low, Low's EP
Reviews for Railings
Reviews for Idiots
Reviews for Adams Hotel Road & Couldn't Get Along

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