It was Tolstoi who suggested the idea that Art is about infection.
Artists have something to say when they infect other people and the Johnson City band, ‘The Only’ have the potential to become an epidemic with ultra chic rock originals and a cast of players who are celebrating perfect chemistry and one of the best new rock acts on stage in the New Year!
Last year, ‘Winter of ’74’ caught my attention with catchy indie-pop originals and it surprised me when they all of a sudden changed their name. Whatever the reason they turned the tables, ‘The Only’ are reanimated and their progressive rock originals place them at the top of my mix list too.
Here is the Photolog of this event.
The guys sent me a new CD a few weeks ago, tucked inside an old bass string box and a laser printer index of 14 songs. They are all worth listening to over and over. The CD is titled ‘Ever Feel Like Somebody Cares’ and when you listen to the diversity and energy on this project, you’re immediately thankful the mountains of East Tennessee still produce the raw materials for great music.
Finally after several missed opportunities, I caught the band on stage at Gatsby’s Saturday, January 21st, 2006. They were the opening act for several artists that night and fortunately, I made it just in time. The last time I tried to see the band I missed them altogether. They evidently have been openers for their shows, but considering what I heard this night, they’ve got the order mixed up a bit – this band is a headliner!
There was a decent crowd for Gatsby’s considering the showers that fell all day and as I walked in and shook off my coat, sound engineer Alan Prince was making final adjustments on a few microphones. I went to the bar and looked around from the clutch of a double Tanquery, and it was clear this crowd had a mid-twenties bohemian vibe with lots of fathom and fashion. Oh. The ladies were nice too…easy on the eyes.
From the moment the band took the small stage at Gatsby’s it was obvious they have been polishing their act. I was immediately entranced with their spellbinding soundscapes and it seemed too impolite to do anything but pay attention.
My favorite new song, ‘Fell Asleep At The Wheel’ sounded like a true rock anthem as the band sang the chorus – ‘Salvation Is What You Want.’ Their original songs are tuned into life and love along with a dose of apathy and a greater helping of ‘Hope.’ You’ll find that on their front-man’s (H.O.P.E.) guitar by the way, along with an Apple logo – he’s gotta be a left-brainer.
Drew Montgomery plays guitar sings and writes most of the band’s material. His voice rings with clarity and passion and leaves you in a trancelike effect as he moves from rage to whispers. The songs he writes are brainy delicacies that could easily find their way into any modern rock chart.
Behind the melody, this band has a tight rhythm section too focused on creating intense meter with very little showboating. Nelson Arblaster is on bass and with his eyes closed and he and drummer Daniel Kayser create a psychedelic energy that is accentuated by guitarist Chris Mitchell.
Chris sings vocals too and his bright red and black t-shirt, white belt and David Bowie pin on his guitar strap borrows alot from British punk. He’s an exciting player to watch too, but his strongest suite results in his tasteful guitar tones and voicings you rarely hear on local stages. Sure, the bar chords roar through the music of ‘The Only,’ but if you like expansive soundscapes like ‘The Edge’ and The Cure, you’ll dig this band.
‘The Only’ seems to have a good following too as Gatsby’s was alive with about 250 people on this Saturday. It was a fashionable crowd that shared a break-through performance of terrific original music. The band has their own unique sound, but like any artist, they borrow similar ideas that remind you of U2, The Clash and during a long instrumental section, I thought I was listening to Gilmour and Waters on a new Pink Floyd epic.
‘The Only’ deserve their own new category of rock and I’ll go out to the edge and refer to their music as progressive alternative rock. These guys have a purpose and more important the time is right for this new band as their chemistry and quality of their art is self-evident in my private world on CD and in-person at the front of the stage.
Look for ‘The Only’ this year as you explore the night-life here in ‘The Tri-Cities.’ They are the prodigal band of the year with an infectious energy that deserves our support.
Listen to The Only on GoTriCities or on their MySpace website at…http://myspace.com/theonlyrockmusic