RATHOLE REVIEWS

While they're not a band that the Rathole would typically cover, I felt they just had too many positive aspects to overlook. Even though Sedona has been playing for over a decade now, there is now an undeniable 90's sound to what they're doing. In their earliest work, covered on their seven track disc, Reel History, they introduced themselves as a basic Asia/ Survivor/ Foreigner, type of rock band. Simple but effective.

One of the highlights on their first "official" EP release, Drift, is the acoustic, "I've Learned My Lesson", co-written by Mr. Big's Eric Martin. It was originally for Mr. Big's third album, Bump Ahead, but for some reason wasn't used, so he sent the demo to Sedona, (who he had used as his opening act before) and said "if you like it, run with it." This cd also shows Sedona beginning to develop a bit more of a unique identity, concentrating on pushing the depths of their own song writing.

On their latest release, Dragonfly, the band is a chameleon of sorts; each song revealing another powerful influence in their sound and writing. Though founder/ main song writer/ rhythm guitarist/ singer, Mike Fox's powerful baritone is a common thread through all of their material, he manipulates his voice and vocal melodies in a way that gives the band a huge range and versatility. Although the temptation to compare him to Pearl Jam's singer can't be ignored, just a few songs into Dragonfly will prove to you that his talents go far beyond the weak, Eddie Vedder's. There are times when Mike Fox can sound just like Lou Gramm of Foreigner, David Coverdale of Whitesnake, or Joe Elliot of Def Leppard. Okay, it would be Joe Elliot from the Slang cd, instead of Pyromania, but still Joe Elliot. He even pulls of a damn fine Donnie Vie of Enuff-Z'Nuff in the track "My Sacred Garden". I actually had to check the liner notes to make sure it was still Mike singing... As it turns out, it was, but I was surprised to find out that track 10, "All This Love", was sung by his twin brother/bass player, Ray Fox. Apparently they sound as similar as they look.

And for as much versatility as you'll find in the vocals, there is even more in the music. Depending on how you look at it, they are either very open-minded, or lacking in focus. Either way, I'd be willing to bet that most people could find at least one song on this cd that they would like. The musicianship displayed here is really top notch. The guitar playing by Mark Holley covers a wide variety of styles and sounds, and he sounds comfortable playing any and all of them. The lead work is well done and fit precisely to the mood of each song. As you guys know, I don't usually comment on the bass playing, but the rhythm section is really one of the great joys of this band. Ray Fox's bass lines are creative and well thought out, making their presence felt without sounding out of place. And Darrell Hale's drumming is the final touch. Not content to simply keep the beat and stay out of the way, he will frequently highlight the rhythms with an extra melody played out on the high-hat or ride symbols. With each member giving that extra effort to avoid the obvious in their individual rolls, there could be the danger of overkill, or an over all cluttered sound, but the parts blend together in a harmonious way that allows the highlights of each performance to shine through. And speaking of harmonies, there are some incredible back-up harmonies from this band. From the soothing introspective chorus of "Red Sky" off of their Debut cd, Drift, to the anguished wailing back up of "Waiting On The Call" from their latest effort, Dragonfly.

Now after all of that praise, I have to clear some things up. This is not a metal band, so I can't recommend them openly to a metal audience without some reservations. I was surprised that I liked them as much as I did, but what can I say? I've been playing them all week. Fortunately, you don't have to take my word for it though. They've taken the gamble out of buying their music by putting Real Audio samples of ALL of their songs on their website. All you have to do is go there and give them a chance, then make up your own mind. I've taken the liberty of giving you samples of my favorite song off of each cd here in the margin on the left, but I recommend you go check out the rest of theirs too. They did take the time to put them all up there. You might as well take advantage of it. After you've heard them, drop me an e-mail and let me know what you think. I can't help wishing they would take a more metal direction (they could be a fabulous metal band if they wanted to be) but I still enjoyed it anyway... whatever they are.

- Scott Bazzett