Search - Carbon Leaf :: Echo Echo

Celtic Jam Rock

Clinton D. Smith | 04/01/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I did not hear of these guys until last night, when I went to see them play at Alley Katz in Richmond. I was utterly amazed, to say the least. Every musician in this band is beautifully talented, with instruments ranging from acoustic guitars to mandolins to penny whistles to upright basses to accordions to bagpipes. Yes, bagpipes. Barry Privett's rendition of "Amazing Grace" left the hair on the back of my neck standing on end. The album captures the onstage energy of the band in full, as it encompasses the band's variety of styles: rock, folk, and jazz, and ... well, traditional Irish drinking songs. I believe that the band's strongest point is their harmony -- an essential part of music which they use quite often. I highly recommend this album to anyone who enjoys the Agents of Good Roots or Dave Matthews-esque music. The CD is 71 minutes long and doesn't cost you an arm and a leg...you won't believe what you'll hear."

A unique and addictive sound

Ian B. Nofziger | Chesapeake, VA | 01/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Despite not being their most recent release, this CD remains my favorite Carbon Leaf CD. For those not familiar with their sound, I'd have to call it a mix of mellow to moderate rock and folk music with a significant Irish influence.



Songs such as "The Boxer" and "Mary Mac" will draw you to the CD initially, while the lyrics in songs such as "Maybe Today" and "Toy Soldiers" will keep you coming back.



If after your purchase of this CD you want to expand your Carbon Leaf collection, I would then ask you this: Do you find yourself more attracted to the irish element or the lyrics? If it is the irish element then I would tell you to pick up Ether-Electrified Porch Music next. If its the lyrics, I would recommend Indian Summer."

My new favorite album

M. Hull | 05/02/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I recently did something I rarely do...bought an album after hearing only one song. I heard "The Boxer" on a CMJ collection and thought "hey, this is fun and interesting". Well, I bought Echo Echo on a whim and I have been blown away ever since. This album is a rare collection of fun, beautiful, thoughtful and yet still musically playful songs. Each track is totally different than the next, and yet they all fit together. The range of sounds and textures is endless, and the band's musicianship and love of what they do shines through. This album is all heart and will make you alternately smile, dance in your car, sit quietly reflecting, and sing at the top of your lungs. Buy this. I mean it. Not since Beck's Mutations, or Guster's Lost & Gone Forever have I loved an album so much. It's nothing like those cds of course, other than that it's beautifully crafted and very creative. Carbon Leaf seems to effortlessly combine a variety of musical styles and influences, though I'd say that Irish folk music seems to be a recurring thread woven artfully throughout, so artfully you'll hardly notice it's there. They remind me a bit of The Young Dubliners in some ways, but have more range at their disposal. They've created a completely unique sound I think. Every track is a favorite! I can't wait to catch them live someday!"