Search - Will Hoge :: Carousel

Everybody thinks that they'll go far.

Derek Stubbs | New York, NY | 06/07/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When asked to describe their sound, I come up with something that is at once complimentary and limiting: Elvis Costello meets Bruce Springsteen. Simply put, this album vibrates with great power-chord driven rock and roll, ironically compelling lyrics and pure musical talent.These guys deliver on major promises. For example, take "Rock and Roll Star". You've got to have a set of big ones to call a song that. But Will's huge guitar(augmented in an impressively twangy fashion by the since-replaced Dan Baird of Georgia Satellites fame)and Kirk Yoquelet's driving, inventive drumbeat hook you and then the words and structure hold you. "Hey get a look at these cheekbones," Will sings at the top of his lungs as he and the band explode into the chorus.The whole disc does that. It's one catchy, beatuifully developed, loose-feeling rock track after the next. And it's a well organized one at that. Most of the songs are about failed (or failing) relationships, distance, dysfunction, misguided hope for reconciliation. But it's never maudlin. It's amazing how many different ways a band can explore that territory but never repeat the same feel or fall into old traps. Play "Let Me Be Lonely" in the car and, if you don't drive off the road, you're sure to get a speeding ticket. "Heartbreak Avenue", meanwhile, will make you want to spend your time in a smokey roadhouse with a girl named Lucille. In "(Pretty Sure) I'm Over You", co-written by bassist Tres Sasser, Will and the boys are at their foot-tapping best. It's the second to last track, and as purposefully devoid of emotion that song is, Will ends on a title track that is all emotion.At just over 33-minutes, you'll wish there was more. And more is coming as a new album is expected later this summer or early next fall. "Carousel" will give you a feel of what these guys are like in person. Do go and see them live if you can. They tour constantly, and their website is always being updated. They just wrapped up an extended national tour opening up for Midnight Oil, but you can expect that Will, Tres, Kirk and genuine guitar talent Brian Layson will be back at a concert venue near you in no time."

It's Infuriating That This Guy's Not A Star!!!

C. Welch | Chicago | 12/14/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Will Hoge is by far one of the best performers that I have ever had the honor to see on stage. He is what is missing from rock music today. His cd's are just straight no-frills Rock and Roll in the vein of the Stones, Springsteen, Georgia Satellites and the Crowes.



This is an amazing cd. He keeps getting better with every release. This was the start to an amazing career. I just hope that he get's the recognition that he deserves.



If you can, see him live. You will never go to another show that lives up to this guy."