Customer Reviews

Echo Echo

5 star:		(57)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I did not hear of these guys until last night, when I went to see them play at Alley Katz in Richmond. I was utterly amazed, to say the least. Every musician in this band is beautifully talented, with instruments ranging from acoustic guitars to mandolins to penny whistles to upright basses to accordions to bagpipes. Yes, bagpipes. Barry Privett's rendition of "Amazing Grace" left the hair on the back of my neck standing on end. The album captures the onstage energy of the band in full, as it encompasses the band's variety of styles: rock, folk, and jazz, and ... well, traditional Irish drinking songs. I believe that the band's strongest point is their harmony -- an essential part of music which they use quite often. I highly recommend this album to anyone who enjoys the Agents of Good Roots or Dave Matthews-esque music. The CD is 71 minutes long and doesn't cost you an arm and a leg...you won't believe what you'll hear.

Despite not being their most recent release, this CD remains my favorite Carbon Leaf CD. For those not familiar with their sound, I'd have to call it a mix of mellow to moderate rock and folk music with a significant Irish influence.

Songs such as "The Boxer" and "Mary Mac" will draw you to the CD initially, while the lyrics in songs such as "Maybe Today" and "Toy Soldiers" will keep you coming back.

If after your purchase of this CD you want to expand your Carbon Leaf collection, I would then ask you this: Do you find yourself more attracted to the irish element or the lyrics? If it is the irish element then I would tell you to pick up Ether-Electrified Porch Music next. If its the lyrics, I would recommend Indian Summer.

I recently did something I rarely do...bought an album after hearing only one song. I heard "The Boxer" on a CMJ collection and thought "hey, this is fun and interesting". Well, I bought Echo Echo on a whim and I have been blown away ever since. This album is a rare collection of fun, beautiful, thoughtful and yet still musically playful songs. Each track is totally different than the next, and yet they all fit together. The range of sounds and textures is endless, and the band's musicianship and love of what they do shines through. This album is all heart and will make you alternately smile, dance in your car, sit quietly reflecting, and sing at the top of your lungs. Buy this. I mean it. Not since Beck's Mutations, or Guster's Lost & Gone Forever have I loved an album so much. It's nothing like those cds of course, other than that it's beautifully crafted and very creative. Carbon Leaf seems to effortlessly combine a variety of musical styles and influences, though I'd say that Irish folk music seems to be a recurring thread woven artfully throughout, so artfully you'll hardly notice it's there. They remind me a bit of The Young Dubliners in some ways, but have more range at their disposal. They've created a completely unique sound I think. Every track is a favorite! I can't wait to catch them live someday!

It's funny because I read the review from the guy on June 18th and thought to myself....I wonder if he was listening to the right CD? He said he came across it through his girlfriend's Cd collection ...hey it could have had the wrong Cd in it, it had to have been the wrong Cd! Carbon Leaf's musical talent is beyond perfection! These guys could almost pick up any instrument and play it! Carbon Leaf instruments include.... Country Boy Acoustic Guitar,Takamine 460SC,(acoustic) Flatiron Mandolin, 16 in. Bodhran,Trinity College Bouzouki, Gretsch 6120, Fender Telecaster, 1975 Gibson ES335,1975 Gibson Les Paul, (electric guitars),Harmonicas,Tin Whistles,Tobias Pro-6 Six String,Fender Jazz Bass Fretless (electric bass) 1998 Willhel Klier 3/4 Bass (upright bass!)Dw Drums, LP Bongos, a Cajon.

With all of these istruments along with Barry Privett's voice....how can anyone hear anything but amazing music blending together with a happy enough beat to keep your feet moving!!! like I said, He HAD TO HAVE been listening to the wrong CD! Ok, so if you can't decide who's right or wrong....buy the CD Echo Echo and I can almost 100% guarantee you'll see exactly what I'm talking about!!! (and you won't be able to take this Cd out of your disc player!) Enjoy!

I stumbled across Carbon Leaf after XPN in Philly had their most recent album as one of 2004's 50 best. Rather than repeat what others have said, let me note a few other things I really like about them (and this CD specifically)

1. Having available 2 complete albums for free and legal download. I downloaded both Echo Echo and Electrified Ether Porch music and was able to get a really good sense of the music without purchasing them (which I now plan to do just to fulfill my end of the bargain)

2. Slightly different song structures. Rather than just plain vanilla verse and chorus, many of the songs build, adding additional lines to subsequent choruses, and contrasting less assesible verses with catchy chorsuses. Reminds me a bit of XTC in this last regard.

3. Great rhythmn section. After repeated listenings, I realized that the drummer reminds me of an old high school friend (who was a fantastic drummer) in that he really drives the songs forward and adds a lot of texture to the songs. Not bombastic or really flashy, but if you notice what he's doing you really appreciate it. Same things for the bass player.

Excellent throughout.

When I first heard this disc, I thought, "finally something new." It is solid rock, with a celtic air. The use of non-electric instruments such as mandolin, penny whistle and upright bass give the songs more style and interest than traditional rock bands. Carbon Leaf has a wonderful strong style that is all their own. The songs on the disc are varied and all stand alone in their own right. There is no need for skipping weak tunes. This is a very refreshing change from the droning angst ridden alternative groups I've heard lately. When I first bought Echo Echo I became quite addicted to it, and had to get my daily fix every day while in my car driving or working around the house. I've bought it as gifts for friends too.
I'd highly recommend Carbon Leaf to anyone who enjoys feel good music that has thoughtful lyrics and kick butt rock and roll backbone.

What an astonishingly fresh sound from a band that has finally grabbed the public's attention after years of being the envy of local musicians! Anyone who has watched Carbon Leaf develop can recognize the distinct array of musical influences that they have proudly embraced, and that have become the roots of a distinct and original sound. It is this sound that is best embodied on Echo Echo. From the opening fingerstyle guitar fluidity displayed in "The Boxer," to the fabulously produced and musically textured "Maybe Today," the listener cannot help but wonder how just five musicians can be so multi-talented, both stylistically and instrumentally. What's even more impressive is that the four-part harmonies, skin-tight rhythms, and classy solos are just as crisp, and even more satisfying in person. Echo Echo is a testament to the extreme talent and heart displayed by this band, and their live show is the reason Carbon Leaf should never stop playing music.

Wow! What a talented group of gentlemen...If you haven't heard these guys...go now and buy the CD Echo Echo...even better...if you live in the area (Richmond, VA) or if they are in a town near you...GO SEE THEM!...words really can't describe how gifted these guys are...finally a breath of fresh air from all of the sticky pop!...as a lover of music from rock to jazz...Carbon Leaf masterfully blends them all...I wish these guys all the best!...a job well done...keep up the excellent work!

Of the 120+ albums I own, this is my favorite. I discovered Carbon Leaf in Virginia in 2000, and this album is their strongest to date. "The Boxer" had some radio play across the country in 2001-2 on modern rock-type stations. "Shine" is my favorite song--I put it on like John Travolta puts on Staying Alive in Saturday Night Fever to get pumped up. "Mellowtone" and "Maybe Today" are great chill songs, but I listen to the whole album straight through. No songs to skip over or weak tunes at all. Enjoy!

love this CD! echo echo has been in my CD player since it came out. i want to comment on the self-reflection that comes out in the lyrics - i think a lot of people can relate to growing up and venturing on, living life, and looking back, at whatever age. nice to get away from the silly, empty songs we always hear on the radio. also the CD sounds like it was carefully composed and arranged - not in the way of a concept album, but more like a symphony. these aren't just plain old songs, these are musical gems - like that last hidden track! sweet! although it seems like some dude has it in for you guys (we can only assume our fellow reviewer's girlfriend would rather see your shows than hang with him), real music fans will dig your stuff. Keep it real!