2 The Nines
2 The Nines – Oblivion (2012)
by Michael Keith edited by Joshua Beach
URL – www.2theninesmusic.com/
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
About the Artist: Los Angeles based band “2 the Nines” are clearly doing all the right things – building upon the LA pop legacy. Their debut release entitled “Oblivion” is making quite a splash musically. Band members are TJ Runnells and Nick Midulla. Citing a recent WLS Radio article: 2 the Nines, a primarily acoustic duo from Hollywood, California have collaborated to create a new effort called “Oblivion.” Gathering influences from a wide variety of music genres, 2 the Nines glides effortlessly between a wide swath of styles. For instance, “Oblivion,” the album’s titular track has a nice Spanish patina while “Take Me Home” brings to mind folk story-songs. Their take on the Sam Cooke soul classic, “A Change Is Gonna Come,” is about as acoustically soulful as it gets. Sam would be proud. But, make no mistake, these guys can rock as well as they can deliver melody. Enough said let’s dive into the music.
Review: I have to say I was extremely impressed with the opening 3 tracks “Hic Up”, “Catch a Cold” and “Two Eyes”. They made quite the first impression with me. Each one possessed my full unadulterated attention, and had me eager for what was ahead. To be honest: I expected cheesy Singer/Songwriter Pop cut from the same cloth as say a Jason Mraz. Not that there’s anything wrong with Jason Mraz but I just want to hear something new and different. What I discovered delivered what I wanted and then some. The whole CD is full of what I would call catchy Acoustic Pop energy with a hooky pop-style that appeals to so many different senses on so many different levels. It reminds me of Dave Matthews, State Radio, Virginia Coalition and Parachute. I can also hear the slight Psychedelic-Dance-Jazz-Hop Hop influence in there as well as an unplugged Black Eyed Peas. What I really like about 2 The Nines Oblivion is it never crossed into rap territory, that and there‘s no attempt to deliver what I call over the top pop. Its not cheesy music with a handsome face via top flight sampling or cookie cutter songwriting with a mix that sounds more like a commercial than a piece of music.
Oblivion appeals to both advanced and novice listeners alike. Whatever kind of listening level you’re on – some will identify with things while others will not. Like a three layered cake, 2 The Nines is one artist that can take you deep and has so much to offer. Weather it’s musically, lyrically, inspirationally, emotionally, spiritually – if you feel like music is taking us in the wrong direction then rest assured 2 The Nines are taking us back in the right direction with “Oblivion.”
Final Word: 2 The Nines will affirm your faith in music again. These 2 represent all that is magical, real and good in music. Their debut CD “Oblivion” delivers a highly passionate 13 track catalog via gold standard musicianship, amazing guitar chops, impressive songwriting and music that covers all the bases: Rock, Pop and Psychedelic-Hip Hop-Jazz.
Top Tracks: Two Eyes, Title Track – Oblivion and I’m a Stone
I-TUNES: itunes.apple.com/us/album/oblivion/id580574511
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Review Comments: joshuabeach9@gmail.com
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