Tenderhooks - Vidalia

Lead off track, "Kidstuff", is a hard-driving, rythmically rocking treasure, check it out that has received a lot of plays in a short time. What follows is an continued interesting combination of indie rock attitude with folk music mentality to create a unique lyric-centric melodicism. "Grade: b+. alling out to softhearted heavyweights like R.E.M. and country and westernÂs effortlessly obsessive homage to the human voice, TenderhooksÂ Vidalia may be one of only a handful of contemporary records that carve instantly recognizable nostalgia into something as solid as the originals. In these pleasurable, highly rhythmic guitar takeaways nothing entirely sophisticated is happening, but the overall effect is that of intricately layered instrumentation playing host to strong, memorable vocals. ThereÂs no question that Jake Winstrom, on every track the lead singer, is the bandÂs anchor. Not only is his voice virtuosic and flexible, but itÂs pretty much androgynous, making its relationship to RobinsonÂs harmonies even lovelier and more familial. Without such vocal power this type of music would falter and fade, leaning on instrumentation that could only attempt the deeply moving inflections that the singer gives them - pon listening it more often than not turns nebulous, disparate artifacts into an impressive indie melting pot. "-StylusMagazine.

Tenderhooks is a lyrical country-rock-pop band with a progressive bent, hailing from Knoxville, TN`s small but eclectic music scene. Principal songwriters Jake Winstrom and Benjamin Oyler met in high school and have been nurturing their creative collaboration ever since, developing a singular and powerful brand of song-craft. The duo`s literate, witty wordplay and inventive melodicism is brought to life by Winstrom`s plaintive vocals and soaring range. Oyler`s idiosyncratic leads and crunchy riffs add an edgy, Duane Allman-meets-Tom-Verlaine fury to the fold, while bassist Emily Robinson`s lilting vocal harmonies provide the perfect accompaniment for Winstrom`s unusual voice. Robinson`s melodic, McCartney-esque bass lines also give an essential contrast to the band`s often cryptic lyricism. The rhythm section is texturally and rhythmically filled out by drummer Matt Honkonen`s inventive, jazz-inflected percussion work. Recommended!!

Song #1 - mp3

Song #2 - mp3

Song #3 - mp3