The Meadows are Todd Herfindal (Blue Sky Roadster, Single) and Kevin Houlihan (the Fundamentals) Both Todd and Kevin play guitar and share lead vocal responsibilities. Using the tried and true foundation of drums, bass and guitars, The Meadows built upon the sound with vocal harmonies, organ, strings, violin, viola and noise to create an album that is expansive and cinematic. Good as their debut was, "First Nervous Breakdown" puts lasers on `stun` and leaves their self-titled debut in the dust! Their spirit, and sometimes musically, does remind me of Michael Carpenter`s gripping reinterpretation of Tom Petty rootsy jangle, but fans of The Gin Blossoms, The Rembrandts. Brimming with poignant lyrics, wistful harmonies and a upbeat, postitive attitude, deftly balances shimmering acoustic driven songs and vaguely rootsy jangle. Very strong songs and lots of melodic hooks punctuate this second album and provide a well-constructed background for great vocal interplay between Herfindal and Houlihan. Strong deeply melodic songs, simple yet moving, not ruined in production, fresh yet atmospheric. The Meadows relate tales of love and life - just bloody superb emotionally charged song bombs -- pulsating drums, bass, vocals, and a movement that will never fade away, give up, or fail you. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant -- just class. Applause please. ""The band`s sound brings to mind many welcome images, at times recalling Oasis anthems as sung by the Thorns, while at others recalling the glory days of the Jayhawks or the more subdued vibes of Mitch Easter and Don Dixon." - Amplifier. ""This is the kind of album that seems to come out of nowhere and make an indelible mark on one`s mind. The band has crafted an album of ear-catching guitar pop that features plenty of memorable guitar lines and smooth vocal harmonies. We`ve all heard this kind of stuff before, but rarely is it pulled off this well. Recalling the sound of groups like Toad the Wet Sprocket and the Jayhawks, the songwriting and song execution can also be compared to bands like the Thorns. All of this culminates on the tracks "Been So Long" and "Younger Yesterday." The arrangements are excellent, the instrumentation polished and every aspect of the record carefully set up. The Meadows haven`t just crafted a good album; they`ve crafted a very good album that, quite frankly, I find impossible to dislike in any way. Pick this one up immediately.""-Signal. The Meadows fight to keep meaningful and melodic guitar rock alive and have succeeded in most excellent fashion here. Extremely Highly Recommended!
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