Andrew Hoover’s debut album reviewed by Mike Nessing
Andrew Hoover is 21 years old. Looks like he’s from Fairfield County, CT and probably whips up quite a good meal. That’s because in addition to playin’ and singin’ he’s done some apprenticeship time at some high end Southern CT eateries. The bio on his website said a sisterly comment inspired him to pick up the guitar, but the question begs, was it a negative comment? Siblings can be so cruel, and inquiring minds need to stir up shit. His first full album is called Chances, Stances and Romances.
The sounds enclosed here are of considerable high energy combined with an approach to the recording process I would describe as organic. Because of this the songwriting is pushed to the forefront and for good reason. There is a considerably sophisticated approach particularly to the vocal melodies. They are written well enough to make me wish the vocal performances were a little less embellished in spots. But that’s a minor quibble, and one certainly cant fault the kid for being eager to please. The band is cracker-jack, and in full flight bring serious rhythm. Hoover also bangs a mean box guitar, which adds some tasty percussive counter point. Comparisons to Mayer, Thomas and Matthews are inevitable. If that’s the sound he’s going for here, I’d say he trumped ‘em.
