Ledbetter Heights Music Review

Ledbetter Heights has been compared to a lot of others- Pearl Jam, Darrius Rucker, Creed but there's really much more to this band than comparisons. The word "contradiction" comes to mind when I think of this small town band with such a huge sound. Based in the college town of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania Ledbetter Heights is reaching across the cow pastures and corn fields to embrace a world that is hungry for a new sound.

The band has been building a following in south central PA for several years and has been testing the waters in New York City to find a warm reception. Promoting their album and competing in a few competitions had the band busy in 2008. They faired very well in the LAMN jam contest in October and won some great prizes, no doubt fueling their fire for bigger and better things.

Their latest CD "Evolve" can only be described as an emotional attack. Tracks like "Horseshoe" and "Daybreak" are clearly driving with the windows down songs with the ability to take you back to places you haven't been in years. The aggression of "Artificial Freedom," and "Breathless," adds to the emotional frenzy, but are strangely melodic and I'd almost venture to call them catchy. "17 Days" breaks my heart, but I don't mind because "Strangers" puts it back together again. While I wouldn't compare the band itself to the Counting Crows, I would put the emotional attack of this album on par with early Counting Crow music- think "August and Everything After." You know that first I'll cry then I'll laugh, then I'll break something while I dance around the room kind of vibe.

While "Evolve" may be a gift to the ears, the live show is worth trip to Shippensburg if their schedule doesn't bring them near you. LBH envelopes the crowd with a passion for their music and will make even the most hard-hearted critic take notice. It's plain to see that they are musicians to their very souls. Standing at the edge of the room you might not notice them, but put instruments in their hands and they will command your attention.

Ledbetter Heights is a young band with a fresh sound. They promise to be back in the studio soon and are looking to extend themselves to new venues. With the growth they've shown over the last few years I foresee more harmonies on the vocals, layers of intricate guitar work and bass lines and drums that will create a wall of sound. The next album is sure to be the one that forces the rest of the world to stand up and take notice.

In the meantime you can find LBH on the internet at www.ledbetterheights.com or on MySpace and Facebook. There you'll find all the tracks from the album as well as news, photos, and a schedule. You can even order "Evolve" for five bucks. That's cheaper than a value meal and oh so much more delicious.