Smithfield Boulevard - The Golden Years

​Smithfield Boulevard

The Golden Years
self-released; 2016

3.6 out of 5

By Chris Odegard

I would imagine that the cover music scene in Plattsburgh, NY is grieving deeply, due to the loss of local cover band Smithfield Boulevard. However, all is not grim. Where there is loss, there is gain. In this case, the gain is the birth of Smithfield Boulevard, creators of original music. Their debut EP entitled The Golden Years was released on multiple platforms at the end of August and will leave listeners with one lingering question; "When will I get more?" 

There is outstanding evidence to believe that the four-track EP is definitely a step in the right direction for the band. Andrew Peryer, the man responsible for bringing the band into the studio, delivers the lead vocals, plays the acoustic guitar and is the band's lyricist. Smithfield Boulevard took a collaborative approach to developing the full band sound with each individual member writing their own parts musically. Those band members are; John Alecci (piano/harmonies), Brent Spreter (bass), Geoffrey Snow (drums/harmonies) and Jack Hurwitz (electric guitar/harmonies). 

I'm not sure if it's the apt story telling ability of Perver, the piano or a combination of the two, but I was drawn to making comparisons to Ben Folds while I listened to the album on Soundcloud. When you listen to Smithfield Boulevard's offering, you will understand that accolade is well deserving of Peryer's intimately personal lyric composition and vocal stylings. Throughout the album, Peryer's voice mimics the tempo of the underlying musical score, often adding a deeper level of sing-a-long-ability. 

The songs have been written through the perspective of someone that is clearly experienced in failures. "Dreamer" is an anthem that all sorts of struggling artists can relate to and displays Peryer's ability to create a hook. "Fit The Mold" is a track about an evolution of love, giving an uniquely wise, old fashioned lesson in moving on. " A Minor Reconciliation" shows the storytelling capability of Peryer beautifully. 

Don't be fooled by the band’s lack of online following; they are far more talented than their number of followers suggest. If you are looking to get in on a very new band with a tremendous future ahead, take a listen to Smithfield Boulevard on Soundcloud or Bandcamp. Now, if someone from the band would be kind enough to answer me; when will I get more?

Become A Fan

iTunes

Tweet