New Jersey Band Releases "Snapshots of Life"
"Powerful and Engaging" describes Snapshots of Life, the third release by Windstorm, a venerable icon of New Jersey music. Perhaps best known for their lyrical prowess and melodic vocals, the group that sets a new standard with this latest release. The CD opens with Never Been a Tune Like This, a song of hope that is, essentially, a conversation between two vocalists over the fear and uncertainty engendered by the World Trade Center terrorism and other natural disasters. Heavily steeped in metaphor, there are topical songs including an ode to immigrants and a tribute to John Paul II. The CD is balanced by an offering of songs that are light hearted such as the frolicking Brass Band to the syrupy blues inspired I'm So in Love.
Snapshots of Life is aimed squarely at those from the mid-20s to their mid-60s who are beyond the need for head-splitting distortion or an entire work of songs about boys chasing girls. Articulate lyrics are layered on a backbone of rock that ranges from danceable to mellow. Scott Larsen, the group's principal songwriter, states that he has attempted to craft songs of such sufficient depth that they will engender discussion. "Each person has a somewhat different interpretation of a song based on their perceptions and experiences in life," according to Larsen. "The songs in your life that have meant the most to you are either those that recall particular moments when they were heard or those whose structure is malleable enough to inspire a personal meaning."
A family affair of sorts, Windstorm is comprised of Scott Larsen; his brother Johnny; and sons Eric and Christian; Carolina Nowaczyk; Anna Marie Sykes; and Anna Kostrzynska. Larsen recommends "…listening in front of a good stereo with a glass of cognac or driving down a wide open interstate" but not both simultaneously.
Windstorm CDs are available on Amazon.com, CD baby.com, and at Jack's Music in Red Bank. The first two CDs, Spirits and Perseverance, are also available for download on iTunes and other purveyors of digital media.
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