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Jan 20, 2002
This band
has a sound that modern pop purists would advise is
‘old-fashioned’. That is to miss the point of 34Below. What
this band do is to take the traditions of American rock
music – straightforward guitars, bass and drums, and
story-telling lyrics, and use them in a manner that has
served generations of bands and fans, and, on the basis of
this collection, will continue so to do.
The opening song, "Jackie," sets out the
style and intention of this band from the start. If you like
this song, you’ll carry on and enjoy the rest. This is a
series of songs you can play when you’ve got a long journey,
either in your car or in your mind, or both. They tell basic
‘boy-meets-girl’ and ‘boy-loses-girl’ tales, but the skill
with which they are executed overcomes the basic nature of
the format. Vocals from Steve Ybarra are pitched just right
on "Empty Sunday," not too macho, not too sensitive, the
sort of guy male listeners would like to be, and female
listeners would like to know.
"Learn To Fly" comes dangerously close to maudlin
sentimentality, but it could be 34Below’s passport to radio
play, and that could see this band take off in other markets
larger than college radio.
The difficulty facing any band trying to make an impact
in a crowded marketplace is setting out the band’s style,
walking the line between hitting the strengths in successive
songs, without letting listeners feel they know what’s
coming. Pacing and track order are vital ingredients in any
album. Just when this collection was starting to flag a
little, in comes "Take Time" which re-states the strength of
the sound – the economical guitar solos and the rock solid
back beat. It will make fans of live shows keen to see 34
Below when they tour again.
Success is a slippery concept. Maybe 34Below will be
content with a solid touring career, which is assured on the
basis of this album. They can play the college and club
circuit and be assured of a following for as long as they
want it. Maybe they want hit singles, and there are several
contenders on this album, not least of which is "River," the
final track that really does save the best until last. Or
perhaps this band want to be stadium stars. Whatever their
goal, the potential is contained in this album. They have
all the ingredients, all they really need are the breaks
that make careers happen. They need to be championed by a
major band who hear how good they are and take them out on
tour to meet a wider audience. Or they need someone to see
how radio-friendly their music is and get some serious
syndication going. Failing that, maybe their own combination
of solid touring and word-of-mouth will get them to where
they deserve to be.
One thing is certain, if 34Below continue to tour
around their native San Diego without progressing any
further, then there really is no justice in the world of
rock and roll. Of course, if they do succeed and make the
market they aim for and deserve, remember you read about
them here first.
— Andy Hughes
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