© 2009 Wes Tucker (ASCAP) (700261262789)
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Soulfully delivered roots folk rock with literate lyrical songwriting backed by an outstanding band.

A couple years ago we reviewed this bands 1st CD release and it was a solid effort by a very young but exciting band. The review can be read at: Wes Tucker Review #1. Now we are given the opportunity to review this bands 3rd release.

A few things that I like about bands/solo artists after their 3rd release.

The band/artist has made it long enough to release three CDs.

Most of the studio flaws from the first two efforts have been fixed.

The band/artist has finally developed their own musical sound.

By this time the artist/band has found it's audience and is working on expanding the fan base.

All 4 of the above mentioned criteria has been covered by this CD release. The song writing is stunning. The engineering and mastering is first class. The CD packaging is top drawer and the material is first rate.

I have reviewed many independent artists and they all seem to have the same common flaws. They simply do not know how to write a catchy song (a hook). These songs are commonly called Hits. Wes Tucker has figured out the formula. Many of the songs on 'The Scorpion and the Dove' have the needed star power to be major radio hit songs. Listen to 'Three Yellow Roses' or 'Let it Ride' to see what I mean.

The CD featured 11 well written and solidly performed songs. The music leans heavily on the bands southern rock/folk rock roots with plenty of good old southern fried guitar playing and a side order of country picken. Tuckers voice is solid and the vocal harmonies take me back to the early days of great bands like Journey. They were so solid in their vocal harmonies that I wished the band would have done more.

The Skillets are a band that could hang with the best of them. Every instrument sounded like it was played not sampled and the studio work was something worth bragging about. I heard every note even though this CD was recorded in a basement and at a couple houses. The guys simply made the best with what they had and it would rival any major label release with hundreds of thousands of dollars budgeted to the recording. Surprisingly, the only song on this CD that did not appeal to me was the title track and I'm liking it more after a few listens.

The CD is packaged in a double sleeve configuration with the CD on one side and the liner notes in the other sleeve. The liner notes have some great pictures of the band, song lyrics and plenty of thanks to God and friends. The CD packaging was something you might expect from a major artist with a huge marketing budget but to see a package of this quality coming from an independent is note worthy.

In conclusion, I can only give this Southern Rock CD my highest recommendation. Congrates guys on restoring my faith in independent music.
This CD will be added to the EvO:R Top Indie Albums of all Times.

Charles Harrelson