Call it what you will: the soundtrack that wasn't, the rock band that doesn't. However you put it, Kalamazoo's Willamena could be the most talented, uninspired band in Michigan.
Willamena got started in 1996 when it brought "honest rock 'n' roll" back to its local music scene. The band quickly succeeded in grabbing media attention as a "no-frills" rock outfit. But, for the average college-age musical savant, its "just the chords ma'am" approach might not be enough to separate them from other, similar-sounding groups.
The band's latest release, "Far From The Current," has won well-deserved praise for technical ability and songwriting, but between the vocals and strumming, it just doesn't offer anything we haven't heard before.
It all starts with the first muted chords on the disc's opener, "One Step Ahead of the Storm." The music sounds surprisingly ... familiar. This is due to the band's almost excruciatingly structured musical formula - da da da da, here comes the chorus, de de de de, and now the bridge.
Although every song on the album can be recognized for its musical foundation, the biggest problem with Willamena is that it fails to take any chances. The music fits so perfectly into the background of any evening, it has movie soundtrack written all over it.
Instead of adding real spice, the band uses its extensive musical ability to weave a background tapestry perfect for pulling over your head on a Sunday afternoon.
The band also is almost hopelessly stuck on lead crooner Lucas Ross' breezy, everyman's lyrics - "You're crazy to deal/because they ain't got no pity/Don't forget what was true/ because it all comes back on you." His lost-love/hey-I'm-just-an-average-guy tone covers every minute of the disc, pushing the band's aforementioned musical genius aside.
By adding enough country-twang these guys are really pushing for the blue-collar image. Too bad you can file them under adult contemporary.
The album does have a few gems worth mentioning, however. On "Landscape," Ross breaks tradition and lets his harmonica lead the song. It's a needed change of pace that keeps the track memorable and it conjures a Neil Youngian vibe.
And the ballad "Passion and Pain" is crying for some quirky Bob Dylan vocals to set it apart, but its darkly tinged chorus will keep you humming long after the song ends.
But even with the goodies, nothing on this excellently scored disc breathes with the sense of urgency needed to set it apart. Without a more attention-grabbing sound, look for Willamena to get its big break scoring the next Kevin Costner flick.
Is all hope lost for them? Of course not. Any musical act should be judged again on its live show, which could be Willamena's saving grace. Live performances are notorious for shaking a band out of its perfectly choreographed set list, and Willamena will be performing live tonight at the Temple Club, 500 E. Grand River Ave. in Lansing.
Check them out and decide for yourself.
