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Salt Lick brings alt-country to John’s Alley

Written by By Ryli Hennessey -Argonaut

Wednesday, 07 September 2005

Salt Lick has been called alternative country, but members say the band is much more than that narrow label. “It (alternative country) is being played by grunge musicians that don’t really care for modern cookie-cutter country,” drummer Scott Headrick said. Salt Lick will showcase its unusual brand of country at John’s Alley Thursday night, promoting its new CD, “A Face Only a Mother Could Love.” Salt Lick’s music has a groovy, twangy sound, but is not your everyday alternative country, members said. “It’s got something you can’t really put your finger on that makes it different from other alt-country bands,” keyboard player Ryan Tocchinni said. Singer Steve Taddei’s voice is anything but average, Headrick said. He said all people have signature weirdness about their voices, and Taddei has a unique, nasal, twangy sound. Salt Lick didn’t start out being an alternative country band, said Chris Ross, lead guitarist and pedal steel player; it just came out that way. Many of the band’s songs can be described as rock with a country twang, but in others the country influence is more obvious. Taddei describes the song “Bar Stool” as a Neil Young-esque, harvest-era song. Salt Lick’s music has a unique sound, but some band members say what really sets them apart is Taddei’s songwriting. Taddei, who said he sat in his room through high school writing songs, was described by the band as being a great songwriter. All of the band members say their live performances are energetic and unique to their style. “We get louder than any band I would call a country band,” Headrick said. Everyone in the band sings backup vocals at live shows. Scott described shows as having a raw, ’70s-rock quality to them that appeals to young hipsters as well as an older crowd. “For the kinds of songs that we’re playing, we’re playing them with as much energy as possible,” Taddei said. Bass player Jerry Abelin said the performances can be very different sometimes. They can be a small acoustic production or, depending on the venue, a larger, more energetic production. Ross said the band’s performances are entertaining, because the members have good stage banter as well as good audience interaction.   Most of the band members have played in Moscow before with other bands, and are looking forward to playing a comfortable, familiar venue. “It’s nice to walk into a place and hear your own music on the jukebox,” Abelin said. John’s Alley has been a great place to play for members of Salt Lick. They said it has an awesome stage and a good sound system. The band is also looking forward to playing for the Moscow crowd. “It’s good to get to the places that really remind you why you’re doing it,” Headrick said. Add as favorites (22) | Views: 1386 Be first to comment this article Write Comment Please keep the topic of messages relevant to the subject of the article. Personal verbal attacks will be deleted. Please don't use comments to plug your web site. Such material will be removed. Just ensure to *Refresh* your browser for a new security code to be displayed prior to clicking on the 'Send' button. Keep in mind that the above process only applies if you simply entered the wrong security code. Name: Title: Comment: