Spring Break
REVIEW: UConn alum looking to make a 'classic'
3 and a half out of 5 stars
Stephen Ortiz
Issue date: 4/30/09 Section: Focus
When Mike Horn left Storrs in the spring of 2007 with his communication sciences degree in hand, the future seemed a bit uncertain. Sure, he had his debut album, "Between the Borders," thanks to Husky Entertainment, but no one ever breaks after one recording.
Now, two years later, Horn is ready to break - and break big. He and his band, The Instant Classic, a product of Craigslist postings, have recorded "Newkirk," the latest EP under direction of producer Ben Rice. While short, it exemplifies the quartets abilities.
The band is made up of Horn, SUNY Oneonta graduates Steve Nalbert and Eric Lense - guitar and drums/background vocals respectively - and former Mike Horn & The Method bassist JP Fernandez. Fernandez and Horn have been playing together since 2000, while Nalbert and Lense did work together throughout college.
"Newkirk," which is named after the recording studio where the EP was produced, contains four tracks - three original songs and one "Borders" re-do - that range from a borderline Ryan Adams sound to slow dance prom music circa 1950 to a sound that is all their own.
Starting from the top, "Same Old" gets a bit bluesy on the opening riffs before falling into the lull of the first verse. This lull is short-lived, however, as the tempo quickly picks up in the leadup to the chorus - you can't help but nod your head to the music. The chorus is standard alternative fare, but the difference maker comes in Horn's vocals, which have matured quite a bit since "Borders" - he sounds confident, emotional and honest.
"Not Enough" is the weakest track of the four, but it's not a bad song. It does a good job at changing up the pace between "Same Old" and "A Part of Me" with its groovy riffs over the verses and solid bass-work.
Now, I was really surprised by "A Part of Me (Or Gone)" mainly because of its sincerity and heart. As mentioned before, it feels a bit like a cliché, slow dance tune from proms of old and brings to mind songs like Ritchie Valens' "Donna," but with a modern-day spin. The lyrics, on the other hand, dig a bit deeper, as Horn sings about lovers struggling to understand and exist together. You can really feel something when he sings "this is insane" to start and finish the song.
"It All Kicks In" remains one of Horn's best songs. There's fire, energy and complexity in the music. It's a fun listen that should prove to be a fan-favorite - especially live.
The Instant Classic has the talent to make some noise in New York's underground scene, and, one hopes, beyond. While "Newkirk" isn't a classic, it does a great job at letting listeners understand what the band is all about.
Now, two years later, Horn is ready to break - and break big. He and his band, The Instant Classic, a product of Craigslist postings, have recorded "Newkirk," the latest EP under direction of producer Ben Rice. While short, it exemplifies the quartets abilities.
The band is made up of Horn, SUNY Oneonta graduates Steve Nalbert and Eric Lense - guitar and drums/background vocals respectively - and former Mike Horn & The Method bassist JP Fernandez. Fernandez and Horn have been playing together since 2000, while Nalbert and Lense did work together throughout college.
"Newkirk," which is named after the recording studio where the EP was produced, contains four tracks - three original songs and one "Borders" re-do - that range from a borderline Ryan Adams sound to slow dance prom music circa 1950 to a sound that is all their own.
Starting from the top, "Same Old" gets a bit bluesy on the opening riffs before falling into the lull of the first verse. This lull is short-lived, however, as the tempo quickly picks up in the leadup to the chorus - you can't help but nod your head to the music. The chorus is standard alternative fare, but the difference maker comes in Horn's vocals, which have matured quite a bit since "Borders" - he sounds confident, emotional and honest.
"Not Enough" is the weakest track of the four, but it's not a bad song. It does a good job at changing up the pace between "Same Old" and "A Part of Me" with its groovy riffs over the verses and solid bass-work.
Now, I was really surprised by "A Part of Me (Or Gone)" mainly because of its sincerity and heart. As mentioned before, it feels a bit like a cliché, slow dance tune from proms of old and brings to mind songs like Ritchie Valens' "Donna," but with a modern-day spin. The lyrics, on the other hand, dig a bit deeper, as Horn sings about lovers struggling to understand and exist together. You can really feel something when he sings "this is insane" to start and finish the song.
"It All Kicks In" remains one of Horn's best songs. There's fire, energy and complexity in the music. It's a fun listen that should prove to be a fan-favorite - especially live.
The Instant Classic has the talent to make some noise in New York's underground scene, and, one hopes, beyond. While "Newkirk" isn't a classic, it does a great job at letting listeners understand what the band is all about.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Carole Keenan
posted 4/30/09 @ 11:50 AM EST
Good to hear! My son, Steve Nalbert, loves working with these guys and from what music I've heard so far, I'm impressed. Steve comes by his love for music naturally as his father and I are also musicians and his guitar licks are awesome from some of his own work but he'll get upset because Mom is writing a comment (LOL) so I'll stop! Instant Classic is the right name for these guys!
Maynard James Keenan
posted 4/30/09 @ 2:30 PM EST
Snailbert is dreamy.
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