Racing The Sun - Smokehouse (self-release)

Every now and then you find out your friends are not just music fans you see at the shows, but also musicians with a band.  Such is the case with Racing The Sun that includes not one but two guys I talk to and keep running into on regular basis.  And now I get to hear their music, and attempt to describe it for the world to to take notice.

Racing The Sun is a rock band with some unusual influences that fall outside of the typical box.  And that of course makes the music very interesting.  Their version of classic rock has some very cool traces of new wave.  The two bands that come to mind are Echo & The Bunnymen, and The Smiths.  And that is only in the instrumental sense, by no means Racing The Sun resembles either one of these groups vocally.  There is a traditional school of Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Free, and Cream that is still the guiding light for this band.  

Smokehouse is the newest EP from the band.  The five tracks were written and recorded with a movie in mind, but they can certainly stand on their own as just another chapter.  According to the band members it is the strongest effort from the group.  The music has a good feel, and the songs just drive you forward.  Singer, Bill Carlson, is a very capable vocalist with a great sense of melody in his voice.  Guitarist, Don Berg, has a very interesting approach to his playing.  And it’s his guitar sound and licks that really add a lot of color to this band.  The rhythm section is very solid.  Drummer, Sargon Beblis, and the newly acquired bassist, Randy Kertz create a very powerful background for Berg and Carlson to shine.  

Tracks like Smokehouse or Till It Hertz are very catchy and instantly memorable, as are the other three songs upon further listening.  Specifically, Smokehouse, with its piercing bluesy harmonica really sets the tone as to what this group is all about.  While Racing The Sun will not revolutionize the rock music, what they do is very convincing, and stylish.  You can feel the passion in their songs.  And that’s the selling point for this writer.  This EP is very enjoyable, but what’s more appealing is the potential this group is displaying.

Mark Kadzielawa