I haven't reviewed that many EPs on this site, but perhaps should. I've listened to a lot of CDs that probably would have been better off as EPs if weaker songs were omitted. Richmond Virginia band Exebell & The Rusted Cavalcade is a relatively new band and they have just released a fine EP entitled The Antipoison Creek Sessions. This is actually the first of three interrelated EPs the band plans to release in 2009.I was introduced to the band by our fine podologist Von on his podcast Americana Rock Mix, so if you listen to that (you should!) then you've probably heard several of the tunes on the EP. In describing their sound the band states "Recently, the band has been developing a fuller sound by incorporating multiple harmony vocals, pedal steel guitar, drums, and percussion at its live shows in the Richmond area and throughout Virginia. Exebelle...are currently composing and arranging a crop of songs electrified by the energy of their live show and balanced by the warm, earthy tones of their acoustic roots." Accurate description. The band is comprised of Berklee College of Music grad Philip Heesen, III:(electric guitar, acoustic guitar, lead & harmony vocals); Kerry Hutcherson:(pedal steel guitar, mandolin, acoustic guitar, harmonica, lead & harmony vocals); and Ryan Owenby:(bass guitar, lead & harmony vocals). You can check out a few of the tunes from the EP on the bands MySpace page, including the tune Flood Walls, and upbeat acoustic number featuring the 'multiple harmony vocals' the band said they were incorporating. You can also check out some of their other tunes including several of their even newed EP C.A.F., which I have yet to get my ears on yet. This is definitely a promising band I hope we'll be hearing much more from!
