Sister Hazel's Release Is Just That

If you know me then you know that I can't stand overly commercialized pop/rock music designed simply to sell. Needless to say when the new Sister Hazel came across my desk I was a bit skeptical. After all, they're one of those bands. You know those kinds of bands, bands that have those super slick songs that are plastered all over the radio and sell heaps of records not because they're good but because they're target marketed; so mainstream it hurts. But guess what I was wrong...this Sister Hazel album is completely different; yes I said that. In fact, I'll go ahead and say that Release is pretty darn good album oriented rock and yes you can quote me.

Release is a countrified, roots rock record with ridiculously big choruses, riffs the size of Texas, and a mature feel that surely comes into play having been through 15 years together and everything that goes with it. Although this band has been through the ringer on the business side of things, they actually broke up because of some finanical wrangling, it seems as though the recording of this album was indeed a release for everyone involved and as a result the songs seem relaxed and pure. The record as you might guess is a super tight affair that brings together a whole new slew of tag team songwriting efforts and a standard of professional musicianship rarely founded nowadays. It's probably the best stuff I've ever heard from these guys, so much so, I have a new found respect for the band.

While Release is far from cutting edge the album manages to hold it's own. With all the collaborating going it seems as if there is a sense of teamwork going on and it seems to have allowed the band to create super accessible material that has crdibility. Release seems to be an album of redemption and acceptance from each of the band members through their contributions. This is an album that musically and professionally tells the tale of a band that has struggled with fame but realized that the sum of their parts is greater then any one and that the music truly rises above any issues they might have.

Release is the very definition of a mature effort. While the changes the band has undergone are mostly subtle, it's a strong record by a band that's probably seen and done it all and still has the fire burning within them to do more. You can tell just by listening to Release that this record was put together by a band who's having fun. It's a testament to longevity. I may have doubted this band in the past, but Release has gone a long way to changing my mind about them and about their honesty. Sister Hazel seem to be doing this for all the right reasons and that's a very impressive thing.