City Newspaper Archives - 12/2007
The Hi-Risers "Once We Get Started"
Spinout
Published by Frank De Blase on Dec 11, 2007
Every time I hear The Hi-Risers on stage or blasting outta my dashboard, I wonder why more bands don't play like this. The music is catchy, clever, danceable, and a whole lotta fun. The Hi-Risers' music just make you feel good, like good rock 'n' roll should. So why don't more artists crank out this infectious type of American gold? Simple; they can't. At the heart of the Hi-Riser sound is deception. Smiling, charming cats that they are, they make it look so easy. But each member of this trio is an unparalleled monster at his instrument and the show is pure Bandstand.
This energy is captured splendidly on the band's new "Once We Get Started." Recorded live in Rochester's Saxon Studios, the energy is palpable. Songs like "Foundation Rock" (Hi-Riser Greg Townson originally wrote this song for Hank Ballard - Hank Ballard for Chrissake!), the lush "Katy Did," the awe-shucks lament of "She'll Be My Ruin, and "One Note Joe" (where Townson pulls off a one-note solo with more fury than those who use a flurry) make this an absolute must-have party record. - BY FRANK DE BLASE
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