NORTHERN SKIES
October 2009
Awash in Americana instrumentation and modern songwriting, the new disc from GR/Detroit six-piece, recorded by Sweet Japonic’s Roy Wallace, is an up-north front porch masterpiece. The key word is “beautiful” – even during the more serious moments, the vocals and the instruments work together in perfect synchronicity (if not perfect tune), firmly wringing every ounce of rhythm and melody that the song will support. This is a very reverent album – reverent to the power of music, and lyrically nostalgic for the present moment. Go to www.myspace.com/thenorthernskies for show dates and band info.
— RC
Ryan Cunningham - Recoil Magazine Grand Rapids MI (Oct 1, 2009)
September 25, 2009, 6:10AM
In Sunday's Entertainment section of The Press, I'll unveil reviews of a fresh batch of "Local Spins," new releases from local and regional artists. Here's a sneak preview of one of them.
Hailing from Grand Rapids and Detroit, Drake plays the kind of acoustic, bluegrass-tinged folk that perks up your ears with an infectious, indie-rock sheen. Guitarists/lead writers Eric Engblade and Nathan Schleicher (who also play mandolin and banjo) are joined by Emily Carlson on violin, Nic Cole on bass, and Paul Wozniak on percussion. "Sound Check" today is spotlighting the impressive track, "All Things Change," from their new album, "Northern Skies," recorded at Grand Rapids' River City Studios.
Learn more about the band online at draketheband.net or myspace.com/draketheband.
John Sinkevics - The Grand Rapids Press (Sep 25, 2009)
New Music for the New Year
It's Engblade's clear, strong vocals give power to his lyrics. His voice ranges from the gentle tones of a balladeer to insistent gutteral growls. ...fused even with the most despairing of lyrics is a dauntless energy.
Sarah Jensen - Ludington Daily News (Jan 15, 2009)