East meets west is only one of the unique pairings that give Shady Cats its approachable, signature sound. Guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Grady Crumpler hails from North Carolina while drummer Bill Eagen sought his musical dreams in California. Both musicians share a mutual love for classic rock. Top shelf of course being the tunes heard on vintage vinyl and not the digitally compressed versions overplayed on commercial radio.
Crumpler has a knack for not just channeling a particular artist but capturing the musical genre’s energy. “You Got A Way” takes the mid-60s full studio sound revolutionized by The Beach Boys Pet Sounds album and creates a great blend of guitars and multi-layered vocals with a call and response motif in the chorus. The instruments fade out in the coda leaving the harmonizing vocals a cappella and there is a faint hint of a sailing “waa-ooo” floating over top ala Brian Wilson. “Take Me” has more of a bluesy feel with the rock organ adding dimension to the sound as was prominent in many of the British Invasion bands of the time.
With his extensive musical skills, Crumpler is more than capable of embellishing upon the normal rock combo instrumentation. In the samba style “All the Way” a marimba played by Chad Barger. is heard keeping time with the drums. The dramatic song “In the Moment” opens with a worldly percussion mix before cleaning fading away as the electric guitar sneaks in and the high-hat takes control of the beat.
“She Kisses Me With Her Eyes” is more of a pop/punk number with the fast repetitive crunch guitars and the vocals sliding over top. Crumpler sings in a slightly lower range than previously heard on the album up to this point. His voice sounds natural and full as he cruises through the lyrics with a Bob Dylan type panache. The guitar solo is well done with tasteful effects.
“I Want Independence” has another quick guitar solo and is the shortest track on the album, clocking in less than two minutes. This tune is a blatant digression from rock past and clearly exudes a more modern rock sound with its overblown guitars and growling lyrics. Crumpler’s voice, though, is not gritty enough to pull it off and, try as he might, he sounds too reserved despite the vocal effects.
The best vocal performance of Love Callin’ is heard on the last track “Desperation.” The melancholy piano sets the mood for this ultimate hard knock life song as the drums and crash cymbal roll into the second verse. Crumpler really allows himself to cut loose with his voice despite almost squeaking on one of the big, long held notes in the chorus. As always, he makes excellent use of his background vocals and wailing electric guitar solo. The energy is maintained throughout the extended instrumental ending before the ominous final vocals are uttered.
Love Callin’ has been in the making for over ten years. This time span has allowed Crumpler and Eagen countless hours to rehearse, experiment and ultimately maintain the confidence to play comfortably. No two songs on the album are alike; rather each one boasts its own unique likable listen-ability. Crumpler’s songs are all very well structured and the production on the entire album is superb. If the lead vocals overall would just get a bit more gutsy it would make a grand debut even grander.
Review by Kelly O’Neil
