Spencer Berger has joined the ranks of the one-man band genre with this release. This product is different than the majority of the things done in basically “First Person” that I get in the mail to review. Many aren’t mature material, and sound like karaoke, and I won’t waste my time reviewing them. The multi-tracked backing voices, give these songs the illusion that Brit pop duo’s like Peter & Gordon or Chad & Jeremy have had their hand in them. Some of the melodies conjure up vibes of the now popular group Muse (who ironically continue to conjure up vibes of Queen). Some songs give you the Roy Orbison styled melodic structure.
The disk is simply mixed, with more than a touch of reverb, and sounds good. I myself would have added a touch of strings here and there, and in other areas, some searing complimenting guitar riffs ala Brian May. Spencer’s screenwriting background is apparent, as most of these ballad styled songs could be inserted into movies.
I don’t know what it is about this thing, but it has a haunting effect, and it’s something you feel obligated to listen to again. If you check out Spence’s My Space and his influences, you’ll probably find a handful that you put in your ranks. This may explain a lot about this thing. Great. Now I have to look and see what else he’s done and give it a listen, like I don’t have anything else to do!
Spencer has put together a touring band to support the CD.
By RME
[Rating: 3.5/5]